Diffusion tensor imaging of cerebral white matter: technique, anatomy, and pathologic patterns

Asim F Choudhri; Eric M Chin; Ari M Blitz; Dheeraj Gandhi

doi:10.1016/j.rcl.2013.11.005

Diffusion tensor imaging of cerebral white matter: technique, anatomy, and pathologic patterns

Radiol Clin North Am. 2014 Mar;52(2):413-25. doi: 10.1016/j.rcl.2013.11.005.

Authors

Asim F Choudhri¹, Eric M Chin², Ari M Blitz³, Dheeraj Gandhi⁴

Affiliations

¹ Department of Radiology, University of Tennessee Health Science Center, 848 Adams Avenue, G216, Memphis, TN 38103, USA; Department of Neurosurgery, University of Tennessee Health Science Center, 848 Adams Avenue, G216, Memphis, TN 38103, USA; Department of Ophthalmology, University of Tennessee Health Science Center, 848 Adams Avenue, G216, Memphis, TN 38103, USA; Le Bonheur Neuroscience Institute, Le Bonheur Children's Hospital, 848 Adams Avenue, G216, Memphis, TN 38103, USA. Electronic address: achoudhri@uthsc.edu.
² Department of Radiology, University of Tennessee Health Science Center, 848 Adams Avenue, G216, Memphis, TN 38103, USA.
³ Division of Neuroradiology, Department of Radiology and Radiological Science, Johns Hopkins University, 600 N Wolfe Street, B100, Baltimore, MD 21287, USA.
⁴ Division of Neuroradiology, Department of Radiology, University of Maryland, 22 S Greene Street, Baltimore, MD 21201, USA; Department of Neurology, University of Maryland, 22 S Greene Street, Baltimore, MD 21201, USA; Department of Neurosurgery, University of Maryland, 22 S Greene Street, Baltimore, MD 21201, USA.

PMID: 24582347
DOI: 10.1016/j.rcl.2013.11.005

Abstract

Diffusion tensor imaging is a magnetic resonance imaging technique that provides insight into the anatomy and integrity of white matter pathways in the brain. Further processing of these data can help map individual tracts, which can aid in surgical planning. Understanding the basics of this technique can improve characterization of white matter development and disorders.

Keywords: Anatomy; Brain; Diffusion tensor imaging; Magnetic resonance imaging; Physiologic imaging; White matter.

Publication types

Review

MeSH terms

Diagnosis, Differential
Diffusion Tensor Imaging / methods*
Humans
Leukoencephalopathies / diagnosis*
Leukoencephalopathies / pathology