Normal regional fractional anisotropy and apparent diffusion coefficient of the brain measured on a 3 T MR scanner.
BACKGROUND
We aim to establish norms of fractional anisotropy (FA) and apparent diffusion coefficient (ADC) in 20 different regions of the brain in healthy human volunteers.


METHODS
Thirty-one individuals were examined for ADC and FA in 20 regions of the brain using a single-shot, spin echo, echo planar diffusion tensor imaging sequence with 32 directions at 3 T. FA and ADC maps were computed using the Philips PRIDE tool, and regions of interest were drawn at 20 different locations in the brain. Relationships of FA and ADC with age and gender were explored.


RESULTS
We found a negative correlation between age and FA in the inferior fronto-occipital fasciculus and forceps minor. There were no gender differences. The cerebral peduncle, the middle cerebellum, and cingulum had the highest variation in FA, while fornix, optic radiation, and optic tract had the highest variation in ADC.


CONCLUSIONS
We provide a table of normative FA and ADC measurements in 20 brain regions of potential clinical relevance to the diagnosis and monitoring of specific neurological diseases.
Lee
Christabel E C
CE
Department of Diagnostic Radiology, Clinical Center, National Institutes of Health, 9000 Rockville Pike, Bethesda, MD 20892, USA. leechrist@mail.nih.gov
Danielian
Laura E
LE
Thomasson
David
D
Baker
Eva H
EH
D000328:Adult; D000375:Aging; D016880:Anisotropy; D001921:Brain / Q000033:anatomy & histology*; D038524:Diffusion Magnetic Resonance Imaging; D005260:Female; D007839:Functional Laterality; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D012727:Sex Characteristics; D055815:Young Adult