Diffusion-Weighted Imaging, Diffusion-Tensor Imaging, and Fiber Tractography of the Spinal Cord - 11/08/11

Doi : 10.1016/j.mric.2009.02.004

Majda M. Thurnher, MD ^a, Meng Law, MD, FRACR ^b,^c,^⁎
^a Department of Radiology, Medical University of Vienna, Vienna, Austria
^b Department of Radiology, University of Southern California Imaging Center, University of Southern California Keck School of Medicine, Health Science Campus, University of Southern California, 1520 San Pablo Street, Lower Level, Suite 1600, Los Angeles, CA 90033, USA
^c Department of Neurosurgery, University of Southern California Imaging Center, University of Southern California Keck School of Medicine, Health Science Campus, University of Southern California, 1520 San Pablo Street, Lower Level, Suite 1600, Los Angeles, CA 90033, USA

Corresponding author. Departments of Radiology and Neurosurgery, University of Southern California Imaging Center, Health Science Campus, University of Southern California, 1520 San Pablo Street, Lower Level, Suite 1600, Los Angeles, CA 90033, USA.

Résumé

In the brain, diffusion-weighted imaging (DWI) is an established and reliable method for the characterization of neurologic lesions. Although the diagnostic value of DWI in the early detection of ischemia has not diminished with time, many new clinical applications of DWI have also emerged. Diffusion-tensor imaging and fiber tractography have more recently been developed and optimized, allowing quantification of the magnitude and direction of diffusion along three principal eigenvectors. Diffusion-tensor imaging and fiber tractography are proving to be useful in clinical neuroradiology practice, with application to several categories of disease, and to be a powerful research tool. This article describes some of the applications of DWI and diffusion-tensor imaging in the evaluation of the diseases of the spinal cord.

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Keywords : Diffusion tensor, Fiber tractography, Spinal cord