Publication Type Academic Article
Authors Watts R, Liston C, Niogi S, Uluğ A
Journal Ment Retard Dev Disabil Res Rev
Volume 9
Issue 3
Pagination 168-77
Date Published 01/01/2003
ISSN 1080-4013
Keywords Brain, Diffusion Magnetic Resonance Imaging, Nerve Fibers
Abstract Diffusion tensor imaging is unique in its ability to noninvasively visualize white matter fiber tracts in the human brain in vivo. Diffusion is the incoherent motion of water molecules on a microscopic scale. This motion is itself dependent on the micro-structural environment that restricts the movement of the water molecules. In white matter fibers there is a pronounced directional dependence on diffusion. With white matter fiber tracking or tractography, projections among brain regions can be detected in the three-dimensional diffusion tensor dataset according to the directionality of the fibers. Examples of developmental changes in diffusion, tracking of major fiber tracts, and examples of how diffusion tensor tractography and functional magnetic resonance imaging can be combined are provided. These techniques are complimentary and allow both the identification of the eloquent areas of the brain involved in specific functional tasks, and the connections between them. The noninvasive nature of magnetic resonance imaging will allow these techniques to be used in both longitudinal developmental and diagnostic studies. An overview of the technique and preliminary applications are presented, along with its current limitations.
DOI 10.1002/mrdd.10077
PubMed ID 12953296
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