Brain fiber tracking with clinically feasible diffusion-tensor MR imaging: initial experience

Radiology. 2003 Apr;227(1):295-301. doi: 10.1148/radiol.2271020313.

Abstract

Two technical challenges must be overcome before brain fiber tracking with diffusion-tensor magnetic resonance (MR) imaging can be applied to clinical practice: Imaging time must be shortened, and image distortion must be minimized. Single-shot echo-planar MR imaging with parallel imaging technique enabled both objectives to be accomplished. Twenty-three consecutive patients with brain tumors underwent MR imaging with a 1.5-T whole-body MR system. Fiber tracts on the lesion side in the brain had varying degrees of displacement or disruption as a result of the tumor. Tract disruption resulted from direct tumor involvement, compression on the tract, and vasogenic edema surrounding the tumor. This diffusion-tensor MR imaging method with the parallel imaging technique allows clinically feasible brain fiber tracking.

MeSH terms

  • Adolescent
  • Adult
  • Aged
  • Aged, 80 and over
  • Brain / pathology*
  • Brain Neoplasms / pathology*
  • Child, Preschool
  • Feasibility Studies
  • Female
  • Humans
  • Magnetic Resonance Imaging / methods*
  • Male
  • Middle Aged
  • Neural Pathways / pathology*