[Three-dimensional white matter tractography based on diffusion-tensor magnetic resonance imaging].
OBJECTIVE
To assess the value of white matter fiber tractography based on magnetic resonance diffusion-tensor imaging (MR-DTI), a new noninvasive technique that helps estimate the structural connectivity of the brain, in understanding the anatomy of the white matter fiber tract.


METHODS
Six consecutive volunteers received MR-DTI examination using a GE 1.5T Sign CV/I whole-body MR system and version 2.0 Functool software for image processing. The protocol included T1WI for localization and single-shot echo-planner diffusion tensor imaging of the entire brain in axial, sagittal, and /or coronal sections.


RESULTS
White matter fiber tracts imaged by MR-DTI were consistent with known white matter fiber anatomy. The major fiber tracts were well observed in all the cases. The tracts visualized included the corpus callosum, anterior commissure, uncinate fasciculus superior and inferior longitudinal fascicules, inferior occipito-frontal fasciculus, internal capsule and corona radiate.


CONCLUSIONS
A set of detailed white matter fiber anatomy maps of the normal brain is obtained by means of single-shot echo-planner diffusion tensor imaging at high resolution. This technique allows rapid visualization of the white matter tracts in vivo, and provides a new reliable means for studying fiber connectivity in the brain.
Li
Yi-Zhuo
YZ
Tumor Hospital, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, China. liyizhuo68@126.com
Huang
Zi-Lin
ZL
Wei
Yi-Fei
YF
Xie
Chuan-Miao
CM
He
Hao-Qiang
HQ
Wei
Da-Nian
DN
Chen
Lin
L
Wu
Pei-Hong
PH
D000328:Adult; D001921:Brain / Q000033:anatomy & histology*; D056324:Diffusion Tensor Imaging / Q000379:methods*; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D007091:Image Processing, Computer-Assisted; D021621:Imaging, Three-Dimensional / Q000379:methods*; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D055815:Young Adult