title: Diffusion tensor imaging of normal brain development.
abstract: Diffusion tensor imaging (DTI) is an MRI technique that can measure the macroscopic structural organization in brain tissues. DTI has been shown to provide information complementary to relaxation-based MRI about the changes in the brain's microstructure. In the pediatric population, DTI enables quantitative observation of the maturation process of white matter structures. Its ability to delineate various brain structures during developmental stages makes it an effective tool with which to characterize both the normal and abnormal anatomy of the developing brain. This review will highlight the advantages, as well as the common technical pitfalls of pediatric DTI. In addition, image quantification strategies for various DTI-derived parameters and the normal brain developmental changes associated with these parameters are discussed.
authors.affiliation: The Russell H. Morgan Department of Radiology and Radiological Science, The Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, 210 Traylor Building, 720 Rutland Ave., Baltimore, MD 21205, USA.
authors.forename: Shoko
authors.initials: S
authors.lastname: Yoshida
authors.forename: Kenichi
authors.initials: K
authors.lastname: Oishi
authors.forename: Andreia V
authors.initials: AV
authors.lastname: Faria
authors.forename: Susumu
authors.initials: S
authors.lastname: Mori
mesh_terms: D016880:Anisotropy; D001921:Brain / Q000254:growth & development* / Q000502:physiology; D003287:Contrast Media; D056324:Diffusion Tensor Imaging; D006801:Humans
chemical_list: D003287:Contrast Media