High-Resolution Line-Scan Diffusion-Tensor MRI of White Matter Fiber Tract Anatomy

H. Mamata, Y. Mamata, C.-F. Westin, M. E. Shenton, F. A. Jolesz, S. E. Maier
American Journal of NeuroRadiology
Volume 32, Pages 67-75
2002

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Abstract

BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE: MR diffusion tensor imaging permits detailed visualization of white matter fiber tracts. This technique, unlike T2-weighted imaging, also provides information about fiber direction. We present findings of normal white matter fiber tract anatomy at high resolution obtained by using line scan diffusion tensor imaging. METHODS: Diffusion tensor images in axial, coronal, and sagittal sections covering the entire brain volume were obtained with line scan diffusion imaging in six healthy volunteers. Images were acquired for b factors 5 and 1000 s/mm2 at an imaging resolution of 1.7 X 1.7 X 4 mm. For selected regions, images were obtained at a reduced field of view with a spatial resolution of 0.9 X 0.9 X 3 mm. For each pixel, the direction of maximum diffusivity was computed and used to display the course of white matter fibers.

When viewed in multiple sections, the appearance of the association fibers on the principal eigenvector maps is consistent with known anatomy. A, Sagittal 110 x 110-mm subimage close to the midline, passing through the cingulum (pink). Note that the fibers of the corpus callosum run at a slight angle through the plane (blue dots with short lines). B, More lateral sagittal section obtained through the arcuate fasciculus (green), inferior longitudinal fasciculus (blue), and uncinate fasciculus (orange). C, Coronal section obtained at the level of the posterior limb of the internal capsule. Fibers of the cingulum (pink), arcuate fasciculus (green), and uncinate fasciculus (orange) pass through the section (dots). Fibers of the posterior limb of the internal capsule (yellow lines) are running in-plane. D, High-resolution 55 x 55-mm coronal subimage of the thalamic region. The strionigral and pallidonigral fibers are shown in light blue. E, High-resolution axial surface coil image of the calcarine area at a 120 x 60-mm field of view. U-fibers connecting visual cortices are well seen

Reference

Mamata H, Mamata Y, Westin CF, Shenton ME, Jolesz FA, Maier SE. High-resolution line-scan diffusion-tensor MRI of white matter fiber tract anatomy. American Journal of NeuroRadiology 2002;32:67-75.

Bibtex entry

@Article{mamataAJNR02,
  author         = {H. Mamata and Y. Mamata and C.-F. Westin and M. E. Shenton 
                   and F. A. Jolesz and S. E. Maier},                          
  title          = {High-Resolution Line-Scan Diffusion-Tensor {MRI} of White  
                   Matter Fiber Tract Anatomy},                                
  journal        = {American Journal of NeuroRadiology},                       
  year           = {2002},                                                     
  volume         = {32},                                                       
  pages          = {67--75}
}

Grants

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

Research areas

DTMRI, Tensor

Copyright Information

American Society of Neuroradiology