[3T tractography imaging: anatomy and clinical applications]

Area of Science:

• Neuroimaging
• Neuroanatomy

Context:

• Tractography (TG) is the sole non-invasive method for white matter fibre dissection.
• It complements conventional Magnetic Resonance (MR) imaging.

Purpose:

• To evaluate the utility of TG in studying projection, association, and commissural fibres.
• To assess TG's role in preoperative sub-cortical mapping and its correlation with direct stimulation.

Summary:

• TG enables non-invasive dissection of white matter fibres, including projection, association, and commissural tracts.
• It serves as a valuable tool for preoperative sub-cortical mapping, showing good correlation with direct stimulation techniques.
• Potential limitations include false positives in tumor-infiltrated areas or those with mass effect, and a negative result does not rule out functional fiber persistence.
• TG can also reveal changes in various pathologies like congenital malformations, ischemic disease, and demyelinating diseases.

Impact:

• Enhances understanding of white matter anatomy and integrity in various neurological conditions.
• Improves preoperative planning and surgical outcomes through accurate sub-cortical mapping.
• Provides insights into the effects of pathologies on white matter structure.