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Published on: September 12, 2011
Diffusion Weighted and Diffusion Tensor MRI in Pediatric Neuroimaging Including Connectomics: Principles and
Avner Meoded1, Gunes Orman2, Thierry A G M Huisman3
1Baylor College of Medicine, Neuroradiology Research Group, Edward B. Singleton Department of Radiology, Texas Children's Hospital, Houston, TX; Edward B. Singleton Department of Radiology, Texas Children's Hospital Houston, TX.
Abstract:
Diffusion weighted MRI (DWI) including diffusion tensor imaging (DTI) are unique imaging techniques that render qualitative and quantitative information of the central nervous system white matter (WM) ultrastructure. It uses the Brownian movement of water molecules to probe tissue microstructure. It is a noninvasive method, with superb sensitivity to the differential mobility of water molecules within various components of the brain without the necessity to inject contrast agents. By sampling the 3 dimensional shape, direction and magnitude of the water diffusion, DWI/DTI generates unique tissue contrasts that can be used to study the axonal WM organization of the central nervous system. Its application allows to study the normal and anomalous brain development including connectivity, as well as a multitude of WM diseases. This article discusses/summarizes the principles of DWI/DTI and its applications in pediatric neuroscience research.
Insights
Diffusion weighted imaging (DWI) and diffusion tensor imaging (DTI) offer noninvasive insights into brain white matter microstructure. These MRI techniques are vital for studying brain development and white matter diseases in pediatric neuroscience.
Area of Science:
- Neuroimaging
- Biophysics
- Pediatric Neuroscience
Background:
- Diffusion weighted MRI (DWI) and diffusion tensor imaging (DTI) provide unique insights into central nervous system white matter (WM) ultrastructure.
- These noninvasive MRI techniques utilize the Brownian motion of water molecules to probe tissue microstructure without contrast agents.
Purpose of the Study:
- To summarize the principles of DWI/DTI.
- To discuss the applications of DWI/DTI in pediatric neuroscience research.
Main Methods:
- DWI/DTI analyzes the 3D shape, direction, and magnitude of water diffusion.
- This process generates unique tissue contrasts reflecting axonal WM organization.
Main Results:
- DWI/DTI offers qualitative and quantitative data on WM ultrastructure.
- The techniques are sensitive to water molecule mobility within brain components.
Conclusions:
- DWI/DTI is a powerful tool for studying normal and anomalous brain development, including connectivity.
- Applications extend to the diagnosis and understanding of various WM diseases in children.
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