Review of longitudinal studies of MRI brain volumetry in patients with traumatic brain injury. 

     A review of 10 studies of patients with traumatic brain injury (TBI) using MRI, volumetric measures and a longitudinal design showed a consistent pattern of brain atrophy which progressed over the months after injury.  Furthermore, atrophy correlated significantly with important clinical variables. 

     Conclusion:  In comparison with the cross-sectional design (one point in time), the longitudinal design may be preferable for understanding the progression of brain atrophy after injury and understanding its association with important clinical variables. 

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Ross DE (2011): Review of longitudinal studies of MRI brain volumetry in patients with traumatic brain injury.  Brain Injury 25:1271-8.  To view the PubMed citation of this paper, click here.