ABSTRACT
Diffusion tensor imaging is a magnetic resonance imaging technique that provides details on tissue microstructure and organization well beyond the usual image resolution. With diffusion tensor imaging, diffusion anisotropy can be quantified and subtle white matter changes not normally seen on conventional MRI can be detected. The aim of this article is to review the principles of diffusion tensor imaging and fiber tracking and their applications to the study of the brain, including Alzheimer disease, neuropsychiatric disorders, strokes, multiple sclerosis, brain tumors, and intractable seizures. Emerging applications to spinal cord disorders are also presented.
Subject(s)
Anatomy, Cross-Sectional , Brain Diseases/diagnosis , Brain/anatomy & histology , Brain/pathology , Magnetic Resonance Imaging , Spinal Cord Diseases/diagnosis , Spinal Cord/anatomy & histology , Spinal Cord/pathology , Adult , Age Factors , Aged , Alzheimer Disease/diagnosis , Anisotropy , Brain Neoplasms/diagnosis , CADASIL/diagnosis , Diagnosis, Differential , Epilepsy/diagnosis , Glioma/diagnosis , Humans , Infant, Newborn , Magnetic Resonance Imaging/methods , Mental Disorders/diagnosis , Models, Neurological , Stroke/diagnosis , Time FactorsABSTRACT
Owing to its rapid acquisition time and high sensitivity, diffusion-weighted imaging has turned into a routine sequence for brain imaging. This is the case not only for stroke, but also for various diseases such as abscesses or tumors. Being aware of the artifacts is important for optimal interpretation. After a brief review of the normal patterns, the most frequent artifacts, inherent to the echoplanar imaging technique, are described and we provide suggestions to avoid them. Most current traps are caused by T2-weighting of the diffusion images; the key for avoiding erroneous interpretation relies on the ADC map.
