Diffusion MR imaging: basic principles

Edward Yang; Paolo G Nucifora; Elias R Melhem

doi:10.1016/j.nic.2011.02.001

Diffusion MR imaging: basic principles

Neuroimaging Clin N Am. 2011 Feb;21(1):1-25, vii. doi: 10.1016/j.nic.2011.02.001.

Authors

Edward Yang¹, Paolo G Nucifora, Elias R Melhem

Affiliation

¹ Division of Neuroradiology, Department of Radiology, University of Pennsylvania School of Medicine, Hospital of the University of Pennsylvania, 3400 Spruce Street, Philadelphia, PA 19104, USA.

PMID: 21477749
DOI: 10.1016/j.nic.2011.02.001

Abstract

From their origin as simple techniques primarily used for detecting acute cerebral ischemia, diffusion MR imaging techniques have rapidly evolved into a versatile set of tools that provide the only noninvasive means of characterizing brain microstructure and connectivity, becoming a mainstay of both clinical and investigational brain MR imaging. In this article, the basic principles required for understanding diffusion MR imaging techniques are reviewed with clinical neuroradiologists in mind.

Publication types

Review

MeSH terms

Acute Disease
Brain / pathology*
Brain Ischemia / diagnosis*
Brain Ischemia / pathology
Diffusion Magnetic Resonance Imaging / methods*
Diffusion Magnetic Resonance Imaging / standards*
Diffusion Tensor Imaging / methods
Diffusion Tensor Imaging / standards
Humans
Magnetic Resonance Imaging / methods
Magnetic Resonance Imaging / standards
Neurology / methods