Diffusion magnetic resonance imaging: Its principle and applications

TLDR

Diffusion MRI is a rapidly evolving technique that exploits the random diffusional motion of water molecules, whose properties vary with physiological and anatomical environment. The authors aim to explain the principles of diffusion MRI and illustrate its neuroimaging applications, such as ischemic stroke detection and reconstruction of axonal bundles and myelin fibers. Diffusion MRI generates contrast by measuring water diffusion, revealing tissue microstructure. Anat Rec (New Anat) 257:102–109, 1999; © 1999 Wiley‑Liss, Inc.

Abstract

Diffusion magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) is one of the most rapidly evolving techniques in the MRI field. This method exploits the random diffusional motion of water molecules, which has intriguing properties depending on the physiological and anatomical environment of the organisms studied. We explain the principles of this emerging technique and subsequently introduce some of its present applications to neuroimaging, namely detection of ischemic stroke and reconstruction of axonal bundles and myelin fibers. Anat Rec (New Anat) 257:102–109, 1999. © 1999 Wiley-Liss, Inc.