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Updated: Aug 26, 2026
Diffusion Tensor Magnetic Resonance Imaging in the Analysis of Neurodegenerative Diseases
Published on: July 28, 2013
Fast quantitative diffusion-tensor imaging of cerebral white matter from the neonatal period to adolescence
J F L Schneider1, K A Il'yasov, J Hennig
1Department of Neuroradiology and Magnetic Resonance Imaging, University Children's Hospital, Steinwiesstrasse 75, 8032 Zürich, Switzerland. jacques.schneider@kispi.unizh.ch
Insights
Brain white matter development shows age-related changes in diffusion coefficient (D') and fractional anisotropy (FA). Deep white matter tracts continue maturing past age three, indicating ongoing organization not visible with conventional MRI.
Area of Science:
- Neuroimaging
- Developmental Neuroscience
- Biophysics
Background:
- White matter (WM) development is crucial for cognitive function.
- Diffusion-tensor imaging (DTI) is sensitive to microstructural changes in the brain.
- Understanding developmental trajectories of WM properties is essential.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate age-related changes in isotropic diffusion coefficient (D") and fractional anisotropy (FA) in white matter during childhood.
- To utilize an optimized DTI method for whole-brain coverage within a clinically feasible timeframe.
- To characterize the developmental patterns of D" and FA in specific white matter regions.
Main Methods:
- Acquired DTI data from 52 healthy children (1 day to 16 years) using high-angle DTI with optimized temporal gradient performance.
- Calculated D" and FA in 10 predefined white matter regions of interest.
- Applied mono- or biexponential models to analyze age-related changes in D" and FA.
Main Results:
- Observed age-related reduction in D" and increase in FA across white matter regions.
- Found that these changes follow a mono- or biexponential model, likely influenced by myelination and tract compactness.
- Identified a continuous increase in FA in deep white matter areas, extending beyond the third year of life.
Conclusions:
- White matter maturation follows distinct developmental trajectories, varying by tract organization and myelination rate.
- Deep white matter tracts exhibit prolonged maturation and organization into late childhood, a process not discernible with conventional MRI.
- Optimized DTI provides valuable insights into the microstructural development of the brain during critical early life periods.
Abstract:
We investigated the isotropic diffusion coefficient (D') and fractional anisotropy (FA) in white matter (WM) during brain development, using an optimised diffusion-tensor imaging (DTI) method with whole brain coverage in a clinically acceptable time. We images 52 children with no evident neurological abnormality (30 boys, 22 girls aged 1 day-16 years) using high-angle DTI with optimised temporal gradient performance. D' and FA were calculated in 10 regions of interest in white matter. We saw that the age-related reduction in D' and increase in FA follow a mono- or biexponential model in white matter, probably depending on the compactness and myelination rate of the fibre tracts. In contrast to other areas, in which adult values were reached during the third year, there is a trend to continuous increase in FA in all deep white-matter areas, suggesting continuing maturation and organisation of deep tracts not detected on conventional MRI.
