Coronal Sections of Brain Lesion Caused by Stroke
At a glance
At Ace Therapeutics, our expertise in performing coronal sectioning of brain tissue from animal models provides clients with precise insights into specific areas of brain damage caused by stroke. Additionally, incorporating coronal DWI into our clients' imaging protocols can significantly enhance the sensitivity and specificity in detecting ischemic changes within the brain.
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Sagittal and Coronal Slices of the Brain
The cerebellum consists of transverse crescent-shaped lobules with wedge-like cross-sections that widen toward the periphery, separated by spaces analogous to fissures. White matter sheets ("primary tracts") extend from central white matter (corpora medullaria) into these lobules. Because of this anatomic arrangement, it is most difficult to identify individual cerebellar lobules on axial magnetic resonance images, which section parallel or nearly parallel to the courses of several important fissures and primary white-matter tracts.
A sagittal slice divides the brain into left and right halves, creating a longitudinal view. This plane is perpendicular to the coronal and axial planes. A coronal slice divides the brain into front (anterior) and back (posterior) sections.
Fig. 1 Coronal, sagittal, and axial slices of the brain depicting the regions of interest used to define amygdala-ventral prefrontal cortex pathways. (Kim, et al., 2016)
| Feature | Sagittal View | Coronal View |
|---|---|---|
| Orientation | Divides brain into left and right halves | Divides brain into anterior and posterior sections |
| Best Visualized Structures | Midline anatomy (corpus callosum, brainstem) | Bilateral structures (basal ganglia, ventricles) |
| Clinical Uses | Pituitary tumors, midline shift, hydrocephalus | Stroke, symmetry/asymmetry, and cortical lesions |
| Perspective | Longitudinal | Cross-sectional from front to back |
Coronal Diffusion-Weighted Imaging (DWI)
Coronal sections of the brain are often used in imaging studies, such as magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), to assess brain lesions caused by stroke. Coronal DWI is particularly beneficial in the evaluation of subtle cerebral infarcts because it provides a different perspective that can enhance the visualization of lesions that might not be apparent on standard axial images. By acquiring images in the coronal plane, researchers can better assess the anatomy and flow of blood vessels, allowing for improved detection of abnormalities. This approach complements standard axial imaging techniques, ensuring that any missed infarcts are identified, leading to more accurate diagnoses and timely interventions.
Location of the Lesion
- Identifies whether the stroke involves the cortical regions, subcortical structures (e.g., thalamus, basal ganglia), or both.
- Provides visualization of midline structures for shifts due to edema or mass effect.
The Extent of the Lesion
- Shows the vertical spread of ischemic or hemorrhagic areas across different brain levels.
- Helps differentiate between small vessel strokes (lacunar infarcts) and large territorial infarcts.
Affected Vascular Territory
Coronal sections aid in mapping lesions to specific vascular territories, such as:
- Middle Cerebral Artery (MCA): Involves the lateral convexities and deep structures.
- Anterior Cerebral Artery (ACA): Medial frontal lobes and paracentral lobules.
- Posterior Cerebral Artery (PCA): Occipital lobes and thalamus
Fig. 2 Coronal slices of MCA territory stroke-induced brain lesion. (Rink, et al., 2008)
- Kim, M. J., et al. (2016). The inverse relationship between the microstructural variability of amygdala-prefrontal pathways and trait anxiety is moderated by sex. Frontiers in systems neuroscience, 10, 93.
- Rink, C., et al. (2008). Minimally invasive neuroradiologic model of preclinical transient middle cerebral artery occlusion in canines. Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences, 105(37), 14100-14105.
