Spinal diffusion tensor imaging: a comprehensive review with emphasis on spinal cord anatomy and clinical applications.
Magnetic resonance imaging technology allows for in vivo visualization of fiber tracts of the central nervous system using diffusion-weighted imaging sequences and data processing referred to as "diffusion tensor imaging" and "diffusion tensor tractography." While protocols for high-fidelity diffusion tensor imaging of the brain are well established, the spinal cord has proven a more difficult target for diffusion tensor methods. Here, we review the current literature on spinal diffusion tensor imaging and tractography with special emphasis on neuroanatomical correlations and clinical applications.
Department of Neurosurgery, University of Alabama at Birmingham, Birmingham, Alabama.
Philipp
P
Hendrix
Christoph J
CJ
Griessenauer
Julien
J
Cohen-Adad
Shanmuganathan
S
Rajasekaran
Keith A
KA
Cauley
Mohammadali M
MM
Shoja
Parham
P
Pezeshk
R Shane
RS
Tubbs
D056324:Diffusion Tensor Imaging / Q000379:methods*; D006801:Humans; D013116:Spinal Cord / Q000033:anatomy & histology*; D013118:Spinal Cord Diseases / Q000175:diagnosis*; D013119:Spinal Cord Injuries / Q000175:diagnosis*
anatomy; diffusion tensor tractography; spinal cord