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[Diffusion weighted MR: principles and clinical use in selected brain diseases]
M Nistri1, M Mascalchi, M Moretti
1Dipartimento di Fisiopatologia Clinica, Sezione di Radiodiagnostica dell'Università, Firenze.
La Radiologia Medica
|April 20, 2001
Summary
Diffusion weighted MRI reveals increased diffusivity in leukoaraiosis and aids in differentiating brain lesions. This technique enhances the evaluation of white matter changes, cystic lesions, and Wallerian degeneration beyond standard MRI.
Area of Science:
- Neuroradiology
- Magnetic Resonance Imaging
- Neuroscience
Background:
- Diffusion weighted MRI (DW-MRI) is a specialized neuroimaging technique.
- It assesses water molecule diffusion in biological tissues.
- DW-MRI provides insights into tissue microstructure and integrity.
Purpose of the Study:
- To define the principles and technical basis of brain DW-MRI.
- To evaluate its utility in specific brain disorders: leukoaraiosis, neoplastic/infective cysts, and Wallerian degeneration.
Main Methods:
- Seventeen patients with selected brain disorders underwent standard cranial MRI including DW-MRI sequences.
- Apparent diffusion coefficient (ADC) maps and "trace" images were generated for quantitative analysis.
- Regions of interest were analyzed and compared with contralateral areas or age-matched controls.
Main Results:
- Significantly higher diffusivity was observed in leukoaraiosis areas compared to controls.
- DW-MRI identified recent ischemic lesions and differentiated between neoplastic cysts and pyogenic abscesses.
- Wallerian degeneration showed loss of anisotropy and increased diffusivity in affected white matter tracts.
Conclusions:
- DW-MRI offers valuable clinical information for brain disorders beyond acute ischemic stroke.
- It aids in monitoring leukoaraiosis progression and identifying subclinical ischemic lesions.
- DW-MRI facilitates differentiation of cystic lesions and brain abscesses, and better recognition of Wallerian degeneration.