Methodology of diffusion-weighted, diffusion tensor and magnetisation transfer imaging

Area of Science:

• Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI)
• Biomedical Engineering
• Radiology

Background:

• MRI can probe tissue characteristics beyond its spatial resolution.
• Diffusion imaging and magnetisation transfer imaging are advanced MRI techniques.
• These methods provide information on microscopic and molecular tissue structure.

Purpose of the Study:

• To review the theory and technical aspects of diffusion imaging and magnetisation transfer imaging.
• To highlight the utility of these techniques in examining tumour tissue.
• To explain how MRI can provide sub-resolution tissue insights.

Main Methods:

• Diffusion imaging: analyzes water molecule diffusion in the extravascular extracellular space.
• Magnetisation transfer imaging: assesses proton exchange between water and macromolecules.
• Review of underlying principles and technical considerations for both techniques.

Main Results:

• Diffusion imaging provides contrast based on water mobility.
• Magnetisation transfer imaging provides contrast based on proton exchange.
• Both techniques offer unique information on microscopic and molecular tumour characteristics.

Conclusions:

• Diffusion imaging and magnetisation transfer imaging are powerful MRI tools.
• These techniques offer valuable insights into tumour microenvironment and molecular composition.
• Understanding their principles is key to their application in oncology.