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Updated: Jul 10, 2026
Diffusion Tensor Magnetic Resonance Imaging in the Analysis of Neurodegenerative Diseases
Published on: July 28, 2013
Mean diffusivity, fractional anisotropy maps, and three-dimensional white-matter tractography by diffusion tensor
Masaaki Hori1, Keiichi Ishigame, Nobuyuki Shiraga
1Department of Radiology, Toho University, 6-11-1 Omori-nishi, Ota, Tokyo, 143-8541, Japan. masahori@med.toho-u.ac.jp
Abstract:
Single-shot fast spin-echo (SSFSE)-based magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) has been introduced as a technique with less distortion and fewer artifacts for diffusion tensor imaging (DTI). The purpose of this study was to compare mean diffusivity maps, fractional anisotropy (FA) maps, and three-dimensional white-matter tractography using data obtained with SSFSE diffusion-tensor MRI technique and the much more common DTI method, echo-planar imaging (EPI), in the brain using a 1.5-Tesla clinical MR imager. Thirty patients with neurological disorders were scanned with both SSFSE-DTI and EPI-DTI using comparable scan times. Mean diffusivity and FA maps were calculated from the SSFSE-DTI and EPI-DTI data and qualitatively compared using two criteria. Three-dimensional fiber tracking was also performed on each data set. SSFSE-DTI produced image artifacts less frequently than EPI-DTI. However, demonstration of three-dimensional fiber-tracking of white matter on SSFSE-DTI was inferior to that on EPI-DTI. In conclusion, SSFSE-DTI is a promising alternative to conventional EPI-DTI imaging, producing fewer image artifacts and geometric distortions. However, for 3D streamline fiber-tracking, EPI data produced more consistent and reliable results.
Insights
Single-shot fast spin-echo diffusion tensor imaging (SSFSE-DTI) reduces artifacts compared to echo-planar imaging (EPI-DTI). However, EPI-DTI provides superior results for 3D white matter tractography.
Area of Science:
- Neuroimaging
- Diffusion Tensor Imaging (DTI)
- Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI)
Background:
- Single-shot fast spin-echo (SSFSE) MRI is a newer technique for diffusion tensor imaging.
- Conventional echo-planar imaging (EPI) is the more common DTI method but can suffer from artifacts and distortions.
Purpose of the Study:
- To compare SSFSE-DTI with conventional EPI-DTI for brain imaging.
- To evaluate mean diffusivity maps, fractional anisotropy (FA) maps, and white matter tractography between the two techniques.
Main Methods:
- Thirty patients with neurological disorders underwent brain MRI using both SSFSE-DTI and EPI-DTI sequences on a 1.5-Tesla imager.
- Image analysis included qualitative comparison of mean diffusivity and FA maps.
- Three-dimensional white matter tractography was performed on data from both techniques.
Main Results:
- SSFSE-DTI demonstrated fewer image artifacts and geometric distortions compared to EPI-DTI.
- White matter tractography using SSFSE-DTI was found to be inferior to that obtained with EPI-DTI.
- EPI-DTI yielded more consistent and reliable results for 3D streamline fiber-tracking.
Conclusions:
- SSFSE-DTI is a viable alternative to EPI-DTI, offering reduced artifacts and distortions.
- Despite its advantages, SSFSE-DTI is currently less suitable for detailed 3D white matter tractography compared to EPI-DTI.
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