Diffusion-tensor fiber tractography in patients with brain tumor using 1.5T and 3T MR systems

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Diffusion tensor imaging (DTI) is a magnetic resonance (MR) imaging technique that is sensitive to orientation of mobility in water molecules. DTI reveals two specific characteristics : diffusion anisotropy ; and directional distribution of water diffusivity. White matter shows high diffusion anisotropy, because diffusion is faster in parallel to fiber direction than in other directions. DTI of the brain can be reconstructed to display 3D macroscopic fiber tract architecture, in a process known as fiber tractography. With recent advances in actively shielded 3T magnets and parallel imaging techniques, high-field MR imaging has become practical in clinical settings. In this project, we have demonstrated that depiction of most fiber tracts was improved on 3T tractography compared to 1.5 T (Radiology, 2006;238:668-678). We have also established an integration of tractography and intraoperative subcortical motor-evoked potential, and demonstrated that diffusion tensor tractography of the corticospinal tract using 3T MR was able to provide interactive information on fiber tracts, depicting the course of eloquent fiber tracts during an operation (Radiology, in press). We believe that complementary use of intraoperative subcortical white matter stimulation and tractography will contribute to preventing intraoperative damage of the corticospinal tract. The accomplishments achieved in this project will be beneficial for patients with brain tumor.