Diffusion Tensor Imaging of TBI: Potentials and Challenges.
Neuroimaging plays a critical role in the setting in traumatic brain injury (TBI). Diffusion tensor imaging (DTI) is an advanced magnetic resonance imaging technique that is capable of providing rich information on the brain's neuroanatomic connectome. The purpose of this article is to systematically review the role of DTI and advanced diffusion techniques in the setting of TBI, including diffusion kurtosis imaging (DKI), neurite orientation dispersion and density imaging, diffusion spectrum imaging, and q-ball imaging. We discuss clinical applications of DTI and review the DTI literature as it pertains to TBI. Despite the continued advancements in DTI and related diffusion techniques over the past 20 years, DTI techniques are sensitive for TBI at the group level only and there is insufficient evidence that DTI plays a role at the individual level. We conclude by discussing future directions in DTI research in TBI including the role of machine learning in the pattern classification of TBI.
*Department of Neuroradiology, Stanford University, Palo Alto †Jane and Terry Semel Institute for Neuroscience & Human Behavior, University of California, Los Angeles, CA ‡Translational Imaging Group, University College London, London, UK.
David B
DB
Douglas
Michael
M
Iv
Pamela K
PK
Douglas
Ariana
A
Anderson
Sjoerd B
SB
Vos
Roland
R
Bammer
Michael
M
Zeineh
Max
M
Wintermark
D001921:Brain / Q000473:pathology*; D001930:Brain Injuries / Q000473:pathology*; D056324:Diffusion Tensor Imaging / Q000379:methods*; D006801:Humans