Diffusion Tensor Imaging

Abstract

Diffusion tensor imaging (DTI) is a powerful magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) technique that enables the measurement of the structural integrity of neural tissue. DTI allows for the visualisation of changes within neural tracts in conditions such as stroke, brain tumours, multiple sclerosis, Parkinson’s disease, Alzheimer’s disease and epilepsy. It enables the quantification of brain development in the paediatric population and tractography can assist neurosurgeons in planning their neurosurgical approach. However, DTI has many technical limitations and assumptions that do not reflect the underlying complexity of brain structures. Therefore, a comprehensive understanding of the acquisition and visualisation methods and their limitations in the context of brain anatomy is essential to fully realise the potential of DTI. In this chapter, we review the basic principles of DTI and its strengths and weaknesses and illustrate its clinical application with examples.