Skip to main content
Top
Published in: Pediatric Radiology 3/2015

01-09-2015 | Advances in Pediatric Neuroradiology

Review of diffusion tensor imaging and its application in children

Authors: Gregory A. Vorona, Jeffrey I. Berman

Published in: Pediatric Radiology | Special Issue 3/2015

Login to get access

Abstract

Diffusion MRI is an imaging technique that uses the random motion of water to probe tissue microstructure. Diffusion tensor imaging (DTI) can quantitatively depict the organization and connectivity of white matter. Given the non-invasiveness of the technique, DTI has become a widely used tool for researchers and clinicians to examine the white matter of children. This review covers the basics of diffusion-weighted imaging and diffusion tensor imaging and discusses examples of their clinical application in children.
Literature
1.
go back to reference Yang E, Nucifora PG, Melhem ER (2011) Diffusion MR imaging: basic principles. Neuroimaging Clin N Am 21:1–25CrossRefPubMed Yang E, Nucifora PG, Melhem ER (2011) Diffusion MR imaging: basic principles. Neuroimaging Clin N Am 21:1–25CrossRefPubMed
2.
go back to reference Einstein A (1905) On the movement of small particles suspended in stationary liquids required by the molecular-kinetic theory of heat. Ann Phys 17:549–560 Einstein A (1905) On the movement of small particles suspended in stationary liquids required by the molecular-kinetic theory of heat. Ann Phys 17:549–560
3.
go back to reference Basser PJ, Mattiello J, LeBihan D (1994) Estimation of the effective self-diffusion tensor from the NMR spin echo. J Magn Reson B 103:247–254CrossRefPubMed Basser PJ, Mattiello J, LeBihan D (1994) Estimation of the effective self-diffusion tensor from the NMR spin echo. J Magn Reson B 103:247–254CrossRefPubMed
4.
go back to reference Huisman TA (2010) Diffusion-weighted and diffusion tensor imaging of the brain, made easy. Cancer Imaging 10A:S163–S171CrossRef Huisman TA (2010) Diffusion-weighted and diffusion tensor imaging of the brain, made easy. Cancer Imaging 10A:S163–S171CrossRef
5.
go back to reference Moseley ME, Cohen Y, Mintorovitch J et al (1990) Early detection of regional cerebral ischemia in cats: comparison of diffusion- and T2-weighted MRI and spectroscopy. Magn Reson Med 14:330–346CrossRefPubMed Moseley ME, Cohen Y, Mintorovitch J et al (1990) Early detection of regional cerebral ischemia in cats: comparison of diffusion- and T2-weighted MRI and spectroscopy. Magn Reson Med 14:330–346CrossRefPubMed
6.
go back to reference Tanner JE, Stejskal EO (1968) Restricted self-diffusion of protons in colloidal systems by the pulsed-gradient, spin-echo method. J Chem Phys 49:1768–1777CrossRef Tanner JE, Stejskal EO (1968) Restricted self-diffusion of protons in colloidal systems by the pulsed-gradient, spin-echo method. J Chem Phys 49:1768–1777CrossRef
7.
go back to reference Mori S, Tournier JD (2014) Introduction to diffusion tensor imaging and higher order models. Elsevier/Academic Press, Amsterdam Boston Mori S, Tournier JD (2014) Introduction to diffusion tensor imaging and higher order models. Elsevier/Academic Press, Amsterdam Boston
8.
go back to reference Mukherjee P, Berman JI, Chung SW et al (2008) Diffusion tensor MR imaging and fiber tractography: theoretic underpinnings. AJNR Am J Neuroradiol 29:632–641CrossRefPubMed Mukherjee P, Berman JI, Chung SW et al (2008) Diffusion tensor MR imaging and fiber tractography: theoretic underpinnings. AJNR Am J Neuroradiol 29:632–641CrossRefPubMed
9.
go back to reference Beaulieu C (2002) The basis of anisotropic water diffusion in the nervous system — a technical review. NMR Biomed 15:435–455CrossRefPubMed Beaulieu C (2002) The basis of anisotropic water diffusion in the nervous system — a technical review. NMR Biomed 15:435–455CrossRefPubMed
10.
go back to reference Choudhri AF, Chin EM, Blitz AM et al (2014) Diffusion tensor imaging of cerebral white matter: technique, anatomy, and pathologic patterns. Radiol Clin N Am 52:413–425CrossRefPubMed Choudhri AF, Chin EM, Blitz AM et al (2014) Diffusion tensor imaging of cerebral white matter: technique, anatomy, and pathologic patterns. Radiol Clin N Am 52:413–425CrossRefPubMed
12.
go back to reference Mukherjee P, Chung SW, Berman JI et al (2008) Diffusion tensor MR imaging and fiber tractography: technical considerations. AJNR Am J Neuroradiol 29:843–852 Mukherjee P, Chung SW, Berman JI et al (2008) Diffusion tensor MR imaging and fiber tractography: technical considerations. AJNR Am J Neuroradiol 29:843–852
13.
go back to reference Wimberger DM, Roberts TP, Barkovich AJ et al (1995) Identification of ‘premyelination’ by diffusion-weighted MRI. J Comput Assist Tomogr 19:28–33CrossRefPubMed Wimberger DM, Roberts TP, Barkovich AJ et al (1995) Identification of ‘premyelination’ by diffusion-weighted MRI. J Comput Assist Tomogr 19:28–33CrossRefPubMed
14.
go back to reference Counsell SJ, Maalouf EF, Fletcher AM et al (2002) MR imaging assessment of myelination in the very preterm brain. AJNR Am J Neuroradiol 23:872–881PubMed Counsell SJ, Maalouf EF, Fletcher AM et al (2002) MR imaging assessment of myelination in the very preterm brain. AJNR Am J Neuroradiol 23:872–881PubMed
15.
go back to reference Garel C, Chantrel E, Elmaleh M et al (2003) Fetal MRI: normal gestational landmarks for cerebral biometry, gyration and myelination. Childs Nerv Syst 19:422–425CrossRefPubMed Garel C, Chantrel E, Elmaleh M et al (2003) Fetal MRI: normal gestational landmarks for cerebral biometry, gyration and myelination. Childs Nerv Syst 19:422–425CrossRefPubMed
16.
go back to reference Welker KM, Patton A (2012) Assessment of normal myelination with magnetic resonance imaging. Semin Neurol 32:15–28CrossRefPubMed Welker KM, Patton A (2012) Assessment of normal myelination with magnetic resonance imaging. Semin Neurol 32:15–28CrossRefPubMed
17.
go back to reference Oishi K, Faria AV, Yoshida S et al (2013) Quantitative evaluation of brain development using anatomical MRI and diffusion tensor imaging. Int J Dev Neurosci 31:512–524CrossRefPubMed Oishi K, Faria AV, Yoshida S et al (2013) Quantitative evaluation of brain development using anatomical MRI and diffusion tensor imaging. Int J Dev Neurosci 31:512–524CrossRefPubMed
19.
go back to reference Mukherjee P, Miller JH, Shimony JS et al (2001) Normal brain maturation during childhood: developmental trends characterized with diffusion-tensor MR imaging. Radiology 221:349–358CrossRefPubMed Mukherjee P, Miller JH, Shimony JS et al (2001) Normal brain maturation during childhood: developmental trends characterized with diffusion-tensor MR imaging. Radiology 221:349–358CrossRefPubMed
20.
go back to reference Partridge SC, Mukherjee P, Henry RG et al (2004) Diffusion tensor imaging: serial quantitation of white matter tract maturity in premature newborns. Neuroimage 22:1302–1314CrossRefPubMed Partridge SC, Mukherjee P, Henry RG et al (2004) Diffusion tensor imaging: serial quantitation of white matter tract maturity in premature newborns. Neuroimage 22:1302–1314CrossRefPubMed
21.
go back to reference Hermoye L, Saint-Martin C, Cosnard G et al (2006) Pediatric diffusion tensor imaging: normal database and observation of the white matter maturation in early childhood. Neuroimage 29:493–504CrossRefPubMed Hermoye L, Saint-Martin C, Cosnard G et al (2006) Pediatric diffusion tensor imaging: normal database and observation of the white matter maturation in early childhood. Neuroimage 29:493–504CrossRefPubMed
22.
go back to reference Eluvathingal TJ, Hasan KM, Kramer L et al (2007) Quantitative diffusion tensor tractography of association and projection fibers in normally developing children and adolescents. Cereb Cortex 17:2760–2768CrossRefPubMedCentralPubMed Eluvathingal TJ, Hasan KM, Kramer L et al (2007) Quantitative diffusion tensor tractography of association and projection fibers in normally developing children and adolescents. Cereb Cortex 17:2760–2768CrossRefPubMedCentralPubMed
23.
go back to reference Giorgio A, Watkins KE, Douaud G et al (2008) Changes in white matter microstructure during adolescence. Neuroimage 39:52–61CrossRefPubMed Giorgio A, Watkins KE, Douaud G et al (2008) Changes in white matter microstructure during adolescence. Neuroimage 39:52–61CrossRefPubMed
24.
go back to reference Wu M, Lu LH, Lowes A et al (2014) Development of superficial white matter and its structural interplay with cortical gray matter in children and adolescents. Hum Brain Mapp 35:2806–2816CrossRefPubMed Wu M, Lu LH, Lowes A et al (2014) Development of superficial white matter and its structural interplay with cortical gray matter in children and adolescents. Hum Brain Mapp 35:2806–2816CrossRefPubMed
25.
go back to reference Chokshi FH, Poretti A, Meoded A et al (2011) Normal and abnormal development of the cerebellum and brainstem as depicted by diffusion tensor imaging. Semin Ultrasound CT MR 32:539–554CrossRefPubMed Chokshi FH, Poretti A, Meoded A et al (2011) Normal and abnormal development of the cerebellum and brainstem as depicted by diffusion tensor imaging. Semin Ultrasound CT MR 32:539–554CrossRefPubMed
26.
go back to reference Lee SK, Kim DI, Kim J et al (2005) Diffusion-tensor MR imaging and fiber tractography: a new method of describing aberrant fiber connections in developmental CNS anomalies. Radiographics 25:53–65, discussion 66–68CrossRefPubMed Lee SK, Kim DI, Kim J et al (2005) Diffusion-tensor MR imaging and fiber tractography: a new method of describing aberrant fiber connections in developmental CNS anomalies. Radiographics 25:53–65, discussion 66–68CrossRefPubMed
27.
go back to reference Poretti A, Meoded A, Rossi A et al (2013) Diffusion tensor imaging and fiber tractography in brain malformations. Pediatr Radiol 43:28–54CrossRefPubMed Poretti A, Meoded A, Rossi A et al (2013) Diffusion tensor imaging and fiber tractography in brain malformations. Pediatr Radiol 43:28–54CrossRefPubMed
28.
go back to reference Rollins NK (2007) Clinical applications of diffusion tensor imaging and tractography in children. Pediatr Radiol 37:769–780CrossRefPubMed Rollins NK (2007) Clinical applications of diffusion tensor imaging and tractography in children. Pediatr Radiol 37:769–780CrossRefPubMed
30.
go back to reference Barkovich AJ, Raybaud C (2012) Pediatric neuroimaging. Lippincott, Williams & Wilkins/Wolters Kluwer Health, Philadelphia Barkovich AJ, Raybaud C (2012) Pediatric neuroimaging. Lippincott, Williams & Wilkins/Wolters Kluwer Health, Philadelphia
31.
go back to reference Lee SK, Mori S, Kim DJ et al (2004) Diffusion tensor MR imaging visualizes the altered hemispheric fiber connection in callosal dysgenesis. AJNR Am J Neuroradiol 25:25–28PubMed Lee SK, Mori S, Kim DJ et al (2004) Diffusion tensor MR imaging visualizes the altered hemispheric fiber connection in callosal dysgenesis. AJNR Am J Neuroradiol 25:25–28PubMed
32.
go back to reference Nakata Y, Barkovich AJ, Wahl M et al (2009) Diffusion abnormalities and reduced volume of the ventral cingulum bundle in agenesis of the corpus callosum: a 3T imaging study. AJNR Am J Neuroradiol 30:1142–1148CrossRefPubMedCentralPubMed Nakata Y, Barkovich AJ, Wahl M et al (2009) Diffusion abnormalities and reduced volume of the ventral cingulum bundle in agenesis of the corpus callosum: a 3T imaging study. AJNR Am J Neuroradiol 30:1142–1148CrossRefPubMedCentralPubMed
33.
go back to reference Tovar-Moll F, Moll J, de Oliveira-Souza R et al (2007) Neuroplasticity in human callosal dysgenesis: a diffusion tensor imaging study. Cereb Cortex 17:531–541CrossRefPubMed Tovar-Moll F, Moll J, de Oliveira-Souza R et al (2007) Neuroplasticity in human callosal dysgenesis: a diffusion tensor imaging study. Cereb Cortex 17:531–541CrossRefPubMed
34.
go back to reference Utsunomiya H, Yamashita S, Takano K et al (2006) Arrangement of fiber tracts forming Probst bundle in complete callosal agenesis: report of two cases with an evaluation by diffusion tensor tractography. Acta Radiol 47:1063–1066CrossRefPubMed Utsunomiya H, Yamashita S, Takano K et al (2006) Arrangement of fiber tracts forming Probst bundle in complete callosal agenesis: report of two cases with an evaluation by diffusion tensor tractography. Acta Radiol 47:1063–1066CrossRefPubMed
35.
go back to reference Wahl M, Strominger Z, Jeremy RJ et al (2009) Variability of homotopic and heterotopic callosal connectivity in partial agenesis of the corpus callosum: a 3T diffusion tensor imaging and Q-ball tractography study. AJNR Am J Neuroradiol 30:282–289CrossRefPubMed Wahl M, Strominger Z, Jeremy RJ et al (2009) Variability of homotopic and heterotopic callosal connectivity in partial agenesis of the corpus callosum: a 3T diffusion tensor imaging and Q-ball tractography study. AJNR Am J Neuroradiol 30:282–289CrossRefPubMed
36.
go back to reference Aziz ZA, Saini J, Bindu PS et al (2013) Demonstration of different histological layers of the pachygyria/agyria cortex using diffusion tensor MR imaging. Surg Radiol Anat 35:427–433CrossRefPubMed Aziz ZA, Saini J, Bindu PS et al (2013) Demonstration of different histological layers of the pachygyria/agyria cortex using diffusion tensor MR imaging. Surg Radiol Anat 35:427–433CrossRefPubMed
37.
go back to reference Rollins N, Reyes T, Chia J (2005) Diffusion tensor imaging in lissencephaly. AJNR Am J Neuroradiol 26:1583–1586PubMed Rollins N, Reyes T, Chia J (2005) Diffusion tensor imaging in lissencephaly. AJNR Am J Neuroradiol 26:1583–1586PubMed
38.
go back to reference Kao YC, Peng SS, Weng WC et al (2011) Evaluation of white matter changes in agyria-pachygyria complex using diffusion tensor imaging. J Child Neurol 26:433–439CrossRefPubMed Kao YC, Peng SS, Weng WC et al (2011) Evaluation of white matter changes in agyria-pachygyria complex using diffusion tensor imaging. J Child Neurol 26:433–439CrossRefPubMed
39.
go back to reference Colombo N, Salamon N, Raybaud C et al (2009) Imaging of malformations of cortical development. Epileptic Disord 11:194–205PubMed Colombo N, Salamon N, Raybaud C et al (2009) Imaging of malformations of cortical development. Epileptic Disord 11:194–205PubMed
41.
go back to reference Madan N, Grant PE (2009) New directions in clinical imaging of cortical dysplasias. Epilepsia 50:9–18CrossRefPubMed Madan N, Grant PE (2009) New directions in clinical imaging of cortical dysplasias. Epilepsia 50:9–18CrossRefPubMed
42.
go back to reference Blumcke I, Thom M, Aronica E et al (2011) The clinicopathologic spectrum of focal cortical dysplasias: a consensus classification proposed by an ad hoc task force of the ILAE Diagnostic Methods Commission. Epilepsia 52:158–174CrossRefPubMedCentralPubMed Blumcke I, Thom M, Aronica E et al (2011) The clinicopathologic spectrum of focal cortical dysplasias: a consensus classification proposed by an ad hoc task force of the ILAE Diagnostic Methods Commission. Epilepsia 52:158–174CrossRefPubMedCentralPubMed
43.
go back to reference Dumas de la Roque A, Oppenheim C, Chassoux F et al (2005) Diffusion tensor imaging of partial intractable epilepsy. Eur Radiol 15:279–285CrossRefPubMed Dumas de la Roque A, Oppenheim C, Chassoux F et al (2005) Diffusion tensor imaging of partial intractable epilepsy. Eur Radiol 15:279–285CrossRefPubMed
44.
go back to reference Eriksson SH, Rugg-Gunn FJ, Symms MR et al (2001) Diffusion tensor imaging in patients with epilepsy and malformations of cortical development. Brain 124:617–626CrossRefPubMed Eriksson SH, Rugg-Gunn FJ, Symms MR et al (2001) Diffusion tensor imaging in patients with epilepsy and malformations of cortical development. Brain 124:617–626CrossRefPubMed
45.
go back to reference Gross DW, Bastos A, Beaulieu C (2005) Diffusion tensor imaging abnormalities in focal cortical dysplasia. Can J Neurol Sci 32:477–482CrossRefPubMed Gross DW, Bastos A, Beaulieu C (2005) Diffusion tensor imaging abnormalities in focal cortical dysplasia. Can J Neurol Sci 32:477–482CrossRefPubMed
46.
go back to reference Lee SK, Kim DI, Mori S et al (2004) Diffusion tensor MRI visualizes decreased subcortical fiber connectivity in focal cortical dysplasia. Neuroimage 22:1826–1829CrossRefPubMed Lee SK, Kim DI, Mori S et al (2004) Diffusion tensor MRI visualizes decreased subcortical fiber connectivity in focal cortical dysplasia. Neuroimage 22:1826–1829CrossRefPubMed
47.
go back to reference Widjaja E, Blaser S, Miller E et al (2007) Evaluation of subcortical white matter and deep white matter tracts in malformations of cortical development. Epilepsia 48:1460–1469CrossRefPubMed Widjaja E, Blaser S, Miller E et al (2007) Evaluation of subcortical white matter and deep white matter tracts in malformations of cortical development. Epilepsia 48:1460–1469CrossRefPubMed
48.
go back to reference Chen Q, Lui S, Li CX et al (2008) MRI-negative refractory partial epilepsy: role for diffusion tensor imaging in high field MRI. Epilepsy Res 80:83–89CrossRefPubMed Chen Q, Lui S, Li CX et al (2008) MRI-negative refractory partial epilepsy: role for diffusion tensor imaging in high field MRI. Epilepsy Res 80:83–89CrossRefPubMed
49.
go back to reference Widjaja E, Zarei Mahmoodabadi S, Otsubo H et al (2009) Subcortical alterations in tissue microstructure adjacent to focal cortical dysplasia: detection at diffusion-tensor MR imaging by using magnetoencephalographic dipole cluster localization. Radiology 251:206–215CrossRefPubMed Widjaja E, Zarei Mahmoodabadi S, Otsubo H et al (2009) Subcortical alterations in tissue microstructure adjacent to focal cortical dysplasia: detection at diffusion-tensor MR imaging by using magnetoencephalographic dipole cluster localization. Radiology 251:206–215CrossRefPubMed
50.
go back to reference Diehl B, Tkach J, Piao Z et al (2010) Diffusion tensor imaging in patients with focal epilepsy due to cortical dysplasia in the temporo-occipital region: electro-clinico-pathological correlations. Epilepsy Res 90:178–187CrossRefPubMed Diehl B, Tkach J, Piao Z et al (2010) Diffusion tensor imaging in patients with focal epilepsy due to cortical dysplasia in the temporo-occipital region: electro-clinico-pathological correlations. Epilepsy Res 90:178–187CrossRefPubMed
51.
go back to reference Tuch DS, Reese TG, Wiegell MR et al (2003) Diffusion MRI of complex neural architecture. Neuron 40:885–895CrossRefPubMed Tuch DS, Reese TG, Wiegell MR et al (2003) Diffusion MRI of complex neural architecture. Neuron 40:885–895CrossRefPubMed
52.
go back to reference Wedeen VJ, Hagmann P, Tseng W-YI et al (2005) Mapping complex tissue architecture with diffusion spectrum magnetic resonance imaging. Magn Res Med 54:1377–1386CrossRef Wedeen VJ, Hagmann P, Tseng W-YI et al (2005) Mapping complex tissue architecture with diffusion spectrum magnetic resonance imaging. Magn Res Med 54:1377–1386CrossRef
Metadata
Title
Review of diffusion tensor imaging and its application in children
Authors
Gregory A. Vorona
Jeffrey I. Berman
Publication date
01-09-2015
Publisher
Springer Berlin Heidelberg
Published in
Pediatric Radiology / Issue Special Issue 3/2015
Print ISSN: 0301-0449
Electronic ISSN: 1432-1998
DOI
https://doi.org/10.1007/s00247-015-3277-0

Other articles of this Special Issue 3/2015

Pediatric Radiology 3/2015 Go to the issue

Advances in Pediatric Neuroradiology

Skull base development and craniosynostosis