Fractional anisotropy and mean diffusivity measurements on normal human brain: comparison between low-and high-resolution diffusion tensor imaging sequences.
Non-invasive in vivo visualization of white matter fiber tracts is currently feasible by means of diffusion tensor imaging (DTI) techniques. DTI-derived metrics, like fractional anisotropy (FA) and mean diffusivity (MD), have the potential to improve tissue characterization. Technical optimization of diffusion tensor sequences, including signal-to-noise ratio and spatial resolution, was performed for 20 normal subjects. High- and low-resolution DTI sequences were applied on all subjects and FA, MD parametric maps were reconstructed for both protocols. Voxel-based statistical analysis revealed regions with significantly different FA and MD values between the two sequences, while the same type of analysis was performed to illustrate regions with significantly different signal-to-noise ratio. In conclusion, optimized DTI sequences may be applied routinely in clinical practice with a standard MR scanner, while accurate quantification of FA and MD may improve lesion characterization.
Department of Radiology, University Hospital of Heraklion, Medical School, University of Crete, Heraklion, Crete, Greece. npapan@med.uoc.gr
Nickolas
N
Papanikolaou
Spyros
S
Karampekios
Efrosyni
E
Papadaki
Menelaos
M
Malamas
Thomas
T
Maris
Nicholas
N
Gourtsoyiannis
D000293:Adolescent; D000328:Adult; D016880:Anisotropy; D001921:Brain / Q000033:anatomy & histology*; D001931:Brain Mapping / Q000379:methods; D038524:Diffusion Magnetic Resonance Imaging / Q000379:methods*; D006801:Humans; D007089:Image Enhancement / Q000379:methods*; D007091:Image Processing, Computer-Assisted / Q000379:methods; D012016:Reference Values; D013997:Time Factors