Advanced Physiologic Imaging: Diffusion - Theory and Applications

Abstract

Diffusion-weighted imaging (DWI) is a commonly acquired magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) technique that is utilized in many stages of brain tumor treatment. From initial diagnosis to surgical planning and treatment response monitoring, DWI has proved essential for mapping tissue properties beyond conventional T1- and T2-weighted structural imaging. By measuring the molecular motion of water interacting with microscopic tissue components such as cellular membranes and intracellular organelles, DWI provides additional tissue properties, which is particularly useful for brain tumor mapping and treatment response assessment. This chapter will first discuss the theory behind the acquisition and signal modeling of different types of diffusion-derived imaging contrasts and then gives an overview of both the common clinical applications and more advanced usage.