Diffusion-Weighted Imaging, Diffusion-Tensor Imaging, and Fiber Tractography of the Spinal Cord

• Published in: Magnetic resonance imaging clinics of North America Vol. 17; no. 2; pp. 225 - 244
• Main Authors: Thurnher, Majda M., MD, Law, Meng, MD, FRACR
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: United States Elsevier Inc 01-05-2009
• Subjects: Contrast Media; Diffusion Magnetic Resonance Imaging - methods; Diffusion tensor; Fiber tractography; Humans; Image Enhancement - methods; Image Interpretation, Computer-Assisted - methods; Imaging, Three-Dimensional; Mathematics; Nerve Fibers, Myelinated - pathology; Radiology; Spinal cord; Spinal Cord - pathology; Spinal Cord Diseases - diagnosis; Spinal Cord Diseases - pathology; Diffusion tensor; Spinal cord; Fiber tractography
• ISSN: 1064-9689; 1557-9786
• DOI: 10.1016/j.mric.2009.02.004

In the brain, diffusion-weighted imaging (DWI) is an established and reliable method for the characterization of neurologic lesions. Although the diagnostic value of DWI in the early detection of ischemia has not diminished with time, many new clinical applications of DWI have also emerged. Diffusion-tensor imaging and fiber tractography have more recently been developed and optimized, allowing quantification of the magnitude and direction of diffusion along three principal eigenvectors. Diffusion-tensor imaging and fiber tractography are proving to be useful in clinical neuroradiology practice, with application to several categories of disease, and to be a powerful research tool. This article describes some of the applications of DWI and diffusion-tensor imaging in the evaluation of the diseases of the spinal cord.