PAT enables imaging of epileptic seizure

Gainesville, FL -- Noninvasive laser-induced photoacoustic tomography (PAT) is an emerging imaging modality that, because of its unique ability to image biological tissues with high optical contrast and ultrasound resolution, has the potential to image the dynamic function of the brain.

Huabei Jiang and colleagues at the University of Florida (Gainesville) have demonstrated the use of finite-element-based PAT for imaging of epileptic seizures in an animal model. In-vivo photoacoustic images were obtained in rats with focal seizures induced by microinjection of bicuculline into the neocortex. The seizure focus was accurately localized by PAT, as confirmed with the gold-standard electroencephalogram.

Compared with existing neuroimaging modalities, PAT not only has the advantage of high spatial and temporal resolution in a single imaging modality, but also is portable and low in cost, making it possible to bring brain imaging to the bedside. Contact Huabei Jiang, [email protected].