Radiological and cognitive characteristics of traumatic diffuse axonal injury

Background and Purpose: The usefulness of T2* GE-imaging for the evaluation and diagnosis of traumatic diffuse axonal injury (DAI) has been shown. The possible cognitive impairments of DAI need further clarification. The superiority of MR-imaging at high-field strength (3 T) remains to be proven. Methods: Out of a databank with 299 TBI patients, 18 patients (age range 17–50 years, median initial Glasgow Coma Scale score 5) were identified, who showed a MRI lesion pattern compatible with pure DAI. All patients underwent detailed neuropsychological testing. In addition, in 14 patients prospective MR-imaging at 1.5…