Diffusional Characteristics of Brain Matter after Stroke

We analyzed characteristics of diffusion and its kurtosis obtained using diffusion-kurtosis MRI in the hemisphere contralateral to the one affected by acute cerebrovascular accident. Diffusion characteristics in the white and gray matter were compared using analysis of covariance (ANCOVA) in healthy subjects and stroke patients with consideration for the age and sex factors. Significant differences between the groups were revealed for apparent diffusion coefficient and mean kurtosis in the white matter. Age dependence was studied using regression analysis and, according to the results of ANCOVA, this factor was found to be significant for apparent diffusion coefficient and diffusion kurtosis in the white matter. Metrics are proposed that can be used to determine the risk of stroke.