Dependence on diffusion time of apparent diffusion tensor of ex vivo calf tongue and heart.

Publication Type	Academic Article
Authors	Kim S, Chi-Fishman G, Barnett A, Pierpaoli C
Journal	Magn Reson Med
Volume	54
Issue	6
Pagination	1387-96
Date Published	12/01/2005
ISSN	0740-3194
Keywords	Diffusion Magnetic Resonance Imaging, Image Interpretation, Computer-Assisted, Muscle, Skeletal, Myocardium, Water
Abstract	The time dependence of the apparent diffusion tensor of ex vivo calf heart and tongue was measured for diffusion times (tau(d)) between 32 and 810 ms. The results showed evidence of restricted diffusion in the muscle tissues of both organs. In regions where the myofibers are parallel, the largest eigenvalue (lambda(1)) of the diffusion tensor remained the same for all diffusion times measured, while the other eigenvalues (lambda(2), lambda(3)) decreased by 29-36% between tau(d) = 32 ms and tau(d) = 400 ms. In regions where the fibers cross, the lambda(1) also changed, decreasing by 17% between tau(d) = 32 ms and tau(d) = 400 ms. The restricting compartment size and volume fraction were effectively estimated by fitting the time courses of the eigenvalues to a model consisting of a nonrestricted compartment and a cylindrically restricted compartment. To our knowledge, this study is the first demonstrating diffusion time dependence of measured water diffusion tensor in muscular tissue. With improvement in scanning technology, future studies may permit noninvasive, in vivo detection of changes in muscle myoarchitecture due to disease, treatment, and exercise.
DOI	10.1002/mrm.20676
PubMed ID	16265644