A natural stroke model in rabbits, in routine use in the laboratory Dr. Culp at UAMS, has been used for research into stroke progression and treatment. By addition of imaging to this model, the detailed progression of treatment of stroke has been measured. Clots formed from the rabbit's blood were radiolabeled by 3D Imaging with F-18 (I-124 and Zr-89 labeling is equally possible, as well as labeling for SPECT with I-125 or I-123, or even fluorescent labeling; but the use of PET allowed quantitative measurement of clot dissipation during a two hour period including treatment.). The radiolabeled blood clots were used by Dr. Culp's lab to create a natural stroke which was then treated. PET imaging before, during, and after treatment established that the clots were stable without treatment, degraded during treatment, and continued to degrade after treatment. These videos show the progression. In some only the PET scans are shown, so only the clots are visible, but are easily located and quantified. In others, an overlay of an FDG image is used to show the loacation of the brain and other soft tissues.

Videos show the field of view as it evolves in time, and with rotation to help visualize the 3D data and relative positions of the clots. Click on image to download and view the Videos.

Slide showing radiolabeled clots in rabbit natural stroke model.

Clot only, Four clots visible, breakup and dissolution over time is apparent.

Overlay of clots on the FDG scan, showing location of clots in the brain. Includes a real-time clock overlay (showing time from time of injection). Treatment occurs from 0:15 to 1:15 on the clock. All clots are completely dissolved/dissipated by the treatment.

Overlay of clots on FDG scan as above, showing five fiducial markers placed on the skin. Fiducials are used to align images and calculate precise positioning of clots in the brain.

Another set of clots (note fragmentation of the administered clot) with progress during treatment and a real-time clock overlay (showing time from time of injection). Treatment occurs from 0:15 to 1:15 on the clock. Two clots are partially resistant to the treatment, though the main clot and its fragments are removed.