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Understanding Diffusion MR Imaging Techniques: From Scalar Diffusion-weighted Imaging to Diffusion Tensor Imaging and Beyond¹

¹ From the Department of Radiology, Lausanne University Hospital (CHUV), Rue du Bugnon, 46, CH-1011 Lausanne, Switzerland (P.H., P.M., R.M.); Signal Processing Institute, École Polytechnique Fédérale de Lausanne, Lausanne, Switzerland (P.H., L.J., J.P.T.); and MGH Martinos Center for Biomedical Imaging, Harvard Medical School, Charlestown, Mass (V.J.W.). Recipient of an Excellence in Design award for an education exhibit at the 2005 RSNA Annual Meeting. Received February 28, 2006; revision requested April 21 and received May 25; accepted June 9. All authors have no financial relationships to disclose. Supported by Swiss National Science Foundation 2153-066943.01 and 3235B0-102863, by NIH 1R01-MH64044, and by Yves Paternot. Address correspondence to P.H. (e-mail: patric.hagmann{at}epfl.ch).

The complex structural organization of the white matter of the brain can be depicted in vivo in great detail with advanced diffusion magnetic resonance (MR) imaging schemes. Diffusion MR imaging techniques are increasingly varied, from the simplest and most commonly used technique—the mapping of apparent diffusion coefficient values—to the more complex, such as diffusion tensor imaging, q-ball imaging, diffusion spectrum imaging, and tractography. The type of structural information obtained differs according to the technique used. To fully understand how diffusion MR imaging works, it is helpful to be familiar with the physical principles of water diffusion in the brain and the conceptual basis of each imaging technique. Knowledge of the technique-specific requirements with regard to hardware and acquisition time, as well as the advantages, limitations, and potential interpretation pitfalls of each technique, is especially useful.

© RSNA, 2006

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