Identification of nerve fibers using diffusion tensor imaging and its application for rehabilitation

Abstract

Recently, we used diffusion tensor imaging (DTI) and diffusion tensor tractography (DTT) for visualization and quantitative evaluation of nerve fibers. In this report, we outline the principles of DTI and DTT. In addition, we discuss some DTI studies of the corticospinal tract and superior longitudinal fasciculus. DTT of the corticospinal tract is useful as a prognostic tool for assessing the motor functions of patients with stroke. DTT of the superior longitudinal fasciculus is thought to help in understanding the symptom of unilateral spatial neglect. However, various issues such as the voxel size for MRI and the tensor model of DTI as well as the arbitrariness in setting the region of interest should be considered when using DTT results in rehabilitation planning and for assessing its effects.