[Fiber tracking by means of magnetic resonance diffusion tensor imaging]

Recent years, magnetic resonance diffusion tensor imaging(MR-DTI, or DTI) is going to be clinically widespread. Especially, its application in fiber tract depiction based on diffusion tensor tracking is expected as a powerful tool for providing useful information in diagnostic and therapeutic purposes. In this review paper, determination process of diffusion tensor in multi-channel magnetic resonance data and basic technique of fiber tracking are described briefly, and then several examples are shown by using clinical data. The advantages, disadvantages, and prospect of the fiber tracking are also discussed. In addition, a free software from our institute is introduced, which is for DTI analysis including fiber tracking, and is available in internet.