Sequential change of MR signal intensity of the brain after manganese administration in rabbits - Correlation with manganese concentration and histopathologic findings

RATIONALE AND OBJECTIVES. High signal intensity in the basal ganglia on T1-weighted MR imaging has been reported in chronic manganese (Mn) poisoning. However, the exact meaning of the high signal intensity remains unclear: does it result from Mn itself, secondary pathologic changes of the brain tissue, or both? The goal of this study was to evaluate the sequential change of MR signal intensity and to correlate the MR intensity of the globus pallidus and the hypothalamus with the Mn concentration in the blood and the brain tissue, and with the histopathologic findings. METHODS. Ten milligrams per kilogram of Mn was administered once a week for 4 weeks to 14 rabbits. The rabbits in the control group (n = 2) were killed without Mn administration; those in group I (n = 4) were killed 1 day after the completion of Mn administration, those in group II (n = 4) were killed at 4 weeks, and those in group III (n = 6) were killed at 8 weeks. Sequential MR imaging, blood and tissue concentration measurement, and pathologic examination were performed. Sequential changes of the percent contrasts, contrast-to-noise ratios, and T1 relaxation times were analyzed with blood and tissue concentrations and histopathologic findings. RESULTS. The signal intensity of the basal ganglia on T1-weighted imaging was highest 1 day after cessation of Mn administration and sequentially washed out. The contrast, contrast-to-noise ratio, and T1 relaxation time showed significant correlations with blood concentration. Only the T1 relaxation time of the globus pallidus showed a significant correlation with tissue concentration. Histopathologic examination disclosed mild abnormalities in the globus pallidus, thalamus, and hypothalamus. CONCLUSIONS. The high signal intensity on T1-weighted MR imaging presumably indicates mainly the exposure marker of Mn, although mild pathologic findings were observed.