What is DTI?
Diffusion tensor imaging (DTI) is an MRI technique. With this technique, the directional effects of diffusion are eliminated, a virtual dissection of the brain is performed, and the axonal organization of the brain is estimated. Anatomical structures that cannot be seen clearly with traditional MR technique are made visible with DTI. Thus, the relationship between anatomical structures and pathology can be determined.
The diffusion tensor may be used to characterize the magnitude, the degree of anisotropy, and the orientation of directional diffusion.
What is DTI used for?
The use of DTI is frequently preferred for the evaluation of highly organized body systems in recent years. DTI is used for the diagnosis and determinations listed below.
- Description of brain anatomy
- Preoperative planning
- Schizophrenia
- Alzheimer's
- Evaluation of plaques formed in the brain
- Detection of pathologies in the musculoskeletal system
- Histogram analysis
- Focal cortical dysplasia
- Tractography
How does DTI work?
- Using magnetic field guards, an image sensitized to diffusion in a specific direction is created and water diffusion is analyzed. This process is then applied in multiple directions and the 3D diffusion model is estimated.
- Magnetic pulses are melted to apply a random phase shift to the emitted water molecules.
- Signal loss occurs in emitted molecules.
- The occurrence of signal loss and differences in diffusion-weighted images are compared. Thus, the diffusion tensor is measured.
