Systematic evaluation of the effects of cerebral blood flow and metabolism on local brain temperature for applications in stroke prognosis

Motivation: Brain temperature is a potential marker for prognosis and stratification after stroke and in chronic cerebrovascular disease. Biophysical models have been developed to predict personalized brain temperature; however, the relationship between local temperature, cerebral metabolism, and blood flow remains unexplored. Goal(s): To quantify local brain temperature changes in a systematic manner across varying degrees of stenosis and occlusion. Approach: A computational bioheat model using MR imaging data will be used to evaluate local brain temperature changes across varying degrees of stenosis and occlusion and to determine the relationships between brain temperature, cerebral blood flow, and metabolism. Impact: Brain temperature is a promising marker for prognostication of chronic and acute ischemia. We hypothesize local temperature increases will be positively correlated with degree of stenosis and occlusion, accounting for collateral flow and metabolism.