Diffusion Tensor Imaging And Its Application To Neuropsychiatric Disorders

M. Kubicki, C.-F. Westin, S. E. Maier, H. Mamata, M. Frumin, H. Ernst-Hirshefeld, R. Kikinis, F. A. Jolesz, R. W. McCarley, M. E. Shenton
Harvard Rev of Psychiatry
Volume 10, Pages 234-336
2002

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Abstract

Magnetic resonance diffusion tensor imaging (DTI) is a new technique that can be used to visualize and measure the diffusion of water in brain tissue; it is particularly useful for evaluating white matter abnormalities. In this paper, we review research studies that have applied DTI for the purpose of understanding neuropsychiatric disorders. We begin with a discussion of the principles involved in DTI, followed by a historical overview of magnetic resonance diffusion-weighted imaging and DTI and a brief description of several different methods of image acquisition and quantitative analysis. We then review the application of this technique to clinical populations. We include all studies published in English from January 1996 through March 2002 on this topic, located by searching PubMed and Medline on the key words "diffusion tensor imaging" and "MRI." Finally, we consider potential future uses of DTI, including fiber tracking and surgical planning and follow-up. (HARVARD REV PSYCHIATRY 2002;10:324-336.)

Visualization of diffusion tensors. The blue lines repre- eral ventricles. sent the in-plane component of the principal diffusion direction; the other colors show the magnitude of the out-of-plane component, with orange/red indicating maximal diffusion. The white and green arrows point to the corpus callosum and the anterior commissure, respectively, two major fiber tracts with the largest in-plane diffusion component, while the blue and pink arrows indicate the cingulate and uncinate fasciculi, fibers with the biggest out-of-plane diffusion component.

Reference

Kubicki M, Westin CF, Maier SE, Mamata H, Frumin M, Ernst-Hirshefeld H, Kikinis R, Jolesz FA, McCarley RW, Shenton ME. Diffusion tensor imaging and its application to neuropsychiatric disorders. Harvard Rev of Psychiatry 2002;10:234-336.

Bibtex entry

@Article{kubickiHarvardRev02,
  author         = {M. Kubicki and C.-F. Westin and S. E. Maier and H. Mamata  
                   and  M. Frumin and H. Ernst-Hirshefeld and R. Kikinis and F.
                   A. Jolesz  and R. W. McCarley and M. E. Shenton},           
  title          = {Diffusion Tensor Imaging And Its Application To            
                   Neuropsychiatric  Disorders},                               
  journal        = {Harvard Rev of Psychiatry},                                
  year           = 2002,                                                       
  volume         = 10,                                                         
  pages          = {234--336}
}

Grants

NIH P41-RR13218 (NAC), NIH K02-MH01110, NIH R01-MH50747, NIH R01-NS39335, NIH R01-MH40799, NIH R01-RR11747, NIH P41-RR13218 (NAC)

Research areas

DTMRI, Tensor

Copyright Information

2002 President and Fellows of Harvard College