Related Experiment Video
Updated: Jul 10, 2026
Diffusion Tensor Magnetic Resonance Imaging in the Analysis of Neurodegenerative Diseases
Published on: July 28, 2013
Diffusion tensor imaging and tractwise fractional anisotropy statistics: quantitative analysis in white matter
Hans-Peter Mueller1, Alexander Unrath, Anne D Sperfeld
1Department of Neurology, University of Ulm, Ulm, Germany. mueller.neuulm@freenet.de
Background:
Information on anatomical connectivity in the brain by measurements of the diffusion of water in white matter tracts lead to quantification of local tract directionality and integrity.
Methods:
The combination of connectivity mapping (fibre tracking, FT) with quantitative diffusion fractional anisotropy (FA) mapping resulted in the approach of results based on group-averaged data, named tractwise FA statistics (TFAS). The task of this study was to apply these methods to group-averaged data from different subjects to quantify differences between normal subjects and subjects with defined alterations of the corpus callosum (CC).
Results:
TFAS exhibited a significant FA reduction especially in the CC, in agreement with region of interest (ROI)-based analyses.
Conclusion:
In summary, the applicability of the TFAS approach to diffusion tensor imaging studies of normal and pathologically altered brains was demonstrated.
Related Concept Videos
01:17Assessment of Diffusion and Perfusion
The Role of Diffusion in Respiration
Diffusion is the process by which molecules move from an area of higher concentration to an area of lower concentration. In the respiratory system, this principle...
01:24Magnetic Resonance Imaging