title: Diffusion MR imaging for monitoring treatment response.
abstract: The objective of this article was to emphasize the use of diffusion-weighted imaging in the diagnosis and follow-up of several major disease contexts, as established in recent literature. In some of these diseases the diffusion changes are correlated with the clinical deficit and are potentially useful for early diagnosis and longitudinal evaluation, as well as in the context of pharmacologic trials. Diffusion magnetic resonance is a major advance in the continuing evolution of MR imaging. It provides contrasts and characterization between tissues at a cellular level that may imply differences in function as well as framework and have contributed to a better understanding of the pathophysiological mechanisms of several diseases.
authors.affiliation: Section of Neuroradiology, Centro de Medicina Diagnostica Fleury and Santa Casa de Misericordia de São Paulo, R. Cincinato Braga 282, Paraíso, São Paulo, SP, CEP 01333-910, Brazil. Antonio.Maia@fleury.com.br
authors.forename: Antonio Carlos Martins
authors.initials: AC
authors.lastname: Maia
authors.forename: Bruno Vasconcelos Sobreira
authors.initials: BV
authors.lastname: Guedes
authors.forename: Ademar
authors.initials: A
authors.lastname: Lucas
authors.forename: Antonio José
authors.initials: AJ
authors.lastname: da Rocha
mesh_terms: D001921:Brain / Q000503:physiopathology*; D001927:Brain Diseases / Q000175:diagnosis* / Q000503:physiopathology / Q000628:therapy*; D001932:Brain Neoplasms / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000628:therapy; D038524:Diffusion Magnetic Resonance Imaging; D006801:Humans; D016896:Treatment Outcome