Diffusion tensor (DT)-MRI of the brain. Review of clinical pediatric applications

作者：Bernardi B^*; Price G; Thomas EJ; Makki M

来源：Rivista di Neuroradiologia, 2005, 18(3): 266-288.

• magnetic resonance imaging
• diffusion tensor imaging
• tractography
• brain

Diffusion tensor imaging (DTI), is a new MR-based technique allowing, in -vivo, the assessment of the water diffusive transport in cerebral tissues, depending on the molecular and biochemical environment. Over the past decade, DTI has become an indispensable part of the MR evaluation of pediatric brain in the clinical practice. Quantitative analysis of fractional anisotropy (FA) and apparent diffusion coefficient (ADC), the two most common indices used to describe the diffusion characteristics, helps the comprehension of the childhood brain maturation and enables the early detection of several brain diseases. DTI also allows us to look at anisotropic diffusion within white matter tracts. To better demonstrate the location and orientation of the white matter tracts, new and/or more sophisticated methods such as Color-Encoded Map and Fiber Tracking have been proposed. We review the theoretical background of DT-MRI, the modality of its data acquisition and processing and some of its commonest applications, particularly in Pediatric Neuroradiology.

• 出版日期2005-6