July 2007 | Andrew L. Alexander, Jee Eun Lee, Mariana Lazar, Aaron S. Field
Diffusion Tensor Imaging (DTI) is a powerful technique for characterizing microstructural changes in the brain, particularly in white matter. DTI measures the magnitude, anisotropy, and orientation of directional diffusion, providing insights into tissue microstructure and connectivity. This review covers the biological mechanisms, acquisition, and analysis of DTI measurements, as well as their applications in neurotherapeutic contexts. Key measures such as mean diffusivity (MD), fractional anisotropy (FA), radial diffusivity ($D_r$), and axial diffusivity ($D_a$) are discussed, with a focus on their sensitivity and specificity to various pathological conditions. The review also highlights the challenges and advancements in DTI, including the development of new pulse sequences, diffusion tensor encoding schemes, and methods for improving image quality and reducing artifacts. Additionally, the role of DTI in monitoring therapeutic responses and surgical interventions is explored, emphasizing its potential for early diagnosis and personalized treatment planning. Despite its limitations, DTI remains a valuable tool for understanding and treating brain disorders.Diffusion Tensor Imaging (DTI) is a powerful technique for characterizing microstructural changes in the brain, particularly in white matter. DTI measures the magnitude, anisotropy, and orientation of directional diffusion, providing insights into tissue microstructure and connectivity. This review covers the biological mechanisms, acquisition, and analysis of DTI measurements, as well as their applications in neurotherapeutic contexts. Key measures such as mean diffusivity (MD), fractional anisotropy (FA), radial diffusivity ($D_r$), and axial diffusivity ($D_a$) are discussed, with a focus on their sensitivity and specificity to various pathological conditions. The review also highlights the challenges and advancements in DTI, including the development of new pulse sequences, diffusion tensor encoding schemes, and methods for improving image quality and reducing artifacts. Additionally, the role of DTI in monitoring therapeutic responses and surgical interventions is explored, emphasizing its potential for early diagnosis and personalized treatment planning. Despite its limitations, DTI remains a valuable tool for understanding and treating brain disorders.