Diffusion Tensor Imaging and Advanced Diffusion Imaging in Post-Stroke Aphasia Recovery

Background: Stroke is a leading cause of mortality and long-term disability, and aphasia is among its most common and debilitating sequelae. Diffusion tensor imaging (DTI) and advanced diffusion imaging techniques enable the assessment of white matter integrity and provide clinically relevant measures in post-stroke aphasia. Methods: We conducted a comprehensive review of studies applying DTI or advanced diffusion imaging to investigate structural connectivity in adults with post-stroke aphasia (PSA). PubMed, CENTRAL, Ovid MEDLINE, and Embase were searched, and eligible studies were synthesized according to their diagnostic, prognostic, or therapeutic focus. Results: Ninety-five studies were included. Of these, 59 were classified as diagnostic, 17 as prognostic, and 19 as therapeutic. Most studies employed conventional DTI (n = 77), while a growing body of research utilized advanced diffusion models, including CSD, DSI, and DKI (n = 18). Conclusions: This comprehensive synthesis demonstrates the evolution of diffusion imaging in PSA research. While conventional DTI has provided foundational insights, advanced diffusion methods offer superior characterization of complex fiber architecture and improved clinical-anatomical correlation. Diffusion-derived markers of dorsal and ventral language pathways were consistently associated with language performance, while connectome-level analyses highlighted the importance of preserved global network architecture for recovery. Continued efforts are needed to translate diffusion imaging findings into clinical applicable biomarkers to guide personalized aphasia rehabilitation, with greater use of advanced methods.