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Diffusion Tensor Magnetic Resonance Imaging in the Analysis of Neurodegenerative Diseases
Published on: July 28, 2013
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Measuring anisotropic brain diffusion in three and six directions: influence of the off-diagonal tensor elements
1Div. of Experimental Neuroradiology, University of Heidelberg Medical Center; Heidelberg.Germany - sabine_heiland@med.uni-heidelberg.de.
The Neuroradiology Journal
|December 5, 2013
Summary
Diffusion tensor imaging (DTI) using the full tensor method is recommended for accurate cerebral white matter analysis. Sophisticated eddy current correction is crucial for reliable diffusion anisotropy measurements.
Area of Science:
- Neuroimaging
- Biophysics
Background:
- Diffusion tensor imaging (DTI) is used for cerebral white matter examination.
- DTI requires sophisticated postprocessing and is susceptible to eddy current artifacts.
Purpose of the Study:
- To evaluate if diffusion measurements in three directions provide reliable information on diffusion anisotropy.
- To compare full tensor DTI with three-direction DTI regarding accuracy and susceptibility to artifacts.
Main Methods:
- Diffusion measurements were performed in phantoms and 14 healthy volunteers.
- Diffusion was measured in six independent directions, analyzing full tensor and three-direction data.
- Calculated diffusion trace and linear anisotropy index (AIl).
Main Results:
- Full tensor DTI showed higher anisotropy in phantoms (AIl = 0.022) than three-direction DTI (0.008-0.019).
- AIl in white matter ranged from 0.33 to 0.42, with moderate correlation between hemispheres.
- Three-direction DTI underestimated anisotropy in structures not aligned with diffusion directions.
Conclusions:
- Full tensor DTI is more susceptible to eddy current errors than three-direction DTI.
- Three-direction DTI systematically underestimates anisotropy in certain anatomical structures.
- Recommends using full tensor DTI with advanced eddy current correction for reliable analysis.
