Abstract
Diffusion tensor imaging (DTI) is presently one of the most popular diffusion magnetic resonance imaging techniques available. Its ability to characterize the dispersion pattern of water molecules in tissue has made it the method of choice for investigating brain microstructure and connectivity in clinical populations. However, its optimal implementation is confounded by both theoretical and practical challenges associated with data acquisition and analysis.
This chapter provides an accessible introduction to the technique and the subject matter covered in this book. Such introductory topics include the biophysical basis of DTI, quantitative DTI measures, DTI analysis methods (including tractography), the strengths and limitations of the DTI technique, and example applications. Special attention is given to the “DTI pipeline,” from defining the purpose of DTI data collection, optimizing data acquisition, processing and analysis, through to how to interpret DTI-based findings. The chapter concludes with a discussion on the potential role of DTI in future clinical practice.
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Acknowledgements
The authors would like to thank Thibo Billiet and Alexander Leemans for providing images that were incorporated into the figures in this chapter.
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Emsell, L., Van Hecke, W., Tournier, JD. (2016). Introduction to Diffusion Tensor Imaging. In: Van Hecke, W., Emsell, L., Sunaert, S. (eds) Diffusion Tensor Imaging. Springer, New York, NY. https://doi.org/10.1007/978-1-4939-3118-7_2
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