title: Diffusion MR imaging: basic principles.
abstract: From their origin as simple techniques primarily used for detecting acute cerebral ischemia, diffusion MR imaging techniques have rapidly evolved into a versatile set of tools that provide the only noninvasive means of characterizing brain microstructure and connectivity, becoming a mainstay of both clinical and investigational brain MR imaging. In this article, the basic principles required for understanding diffusion MR imaging techniques are reviewed with clinical neuroradiologists in mind.
authors.affiliation: Division of Neuroradiology, Department of Radiology, University of Pennsylvania School of Medicine, Hospital of the University of Pennsylvania, 3400 Spruce Street, Philadelphia, PA 19104, USA.
authors.forename: Edward
authors.initials: E
authors.lastname: Yang
authors.forename: Paolo G
authors.initials: PG
authors.lastname: Nucifora
authors.forename: Elias R
authors.initials: ER
authors.lastname: Melhem
mesh_terms: D000208:Acute Disease; D001921:Brain / Q000473:pathology*; D002545:Brain Ischemia / Q000175:diagnosis* / Q000473:pathology; D038524:Diffusion Magnetic Resonance Imaging / Q000379:methods* / Q000592:standards*; D056324:Diffusion Tensor Imaging / Q000379:methods / Q000592:standards; D006801:Humans; D008279:Magnetic Resonance Imaging / Q000379:methods / Q000592:standards; D009462:Neurology / Q000379:methods