- To understand apparent diffusion coefficient and fractional anisotropy and how it works in diffusion tensor imaging - To know the physics behind tractography and different algorithms used - To see practical applications of diffusion tensor imaging in brainstem lesions and how they help in planning a surgery

Apparent Diffusion Coefficient: Apparent Diffusion Coefficient (ADC) is the basis for Diffusion weighted imaging. It is a direct measure of Mean Diffusivity and is contributed by axial and radial diffusivity. Fractional Anisotropy: Fractional Anisotropy (FA) is a measure of cell membrane or myelin integrity. Normal value ranges from 0 to 1, in which a zero value signifies pure isotropic diffusion, while unity is equivalent to pure anisotropic diffusion. Fractional anisotropy images can be used to illustrate the degree to which water molecules move in one...

Here we present a few sample cases and how Diffusion Tensor Imaging helps in tracking the involvement or displacement of tracts. Sample 1: (Fig 3 & 4) 18 year old female with complaints of bilateral lower limb weakness (Power 4/5) Sample 2: (Fig 5) 30 year old female with complaints of sudden onset headache and right side weakness (Power 3/5) Sample 3: (Fig 6 & 7) 21 year old male with complaints of left sided hemiparesis (Power 2/5) Figure 8 provides the summary of the...

Applications of Diffusion Tensor Imaging: Preoperative planning in brain tumors & AVM – displacement & infiltration Preoperative counselling of patients Demyelination disorders like multiple sclerosis – diagnosis & follow up Alzheimer's disease and Mild cognitive impairment Diffuse axonal injury & Post traumatic recovery Epilepsy Metabolic disorder Hypoxic injury Conclusion: DTI is the only available modality at present to evaluate the white matter tracts. So the knowledge of the tract involvement before surgery not only helps the surgeon but also the patient. Hence, tractography is indispensable...

H. Radhakrishnan; Mumbai/IN - nothing to disclose S. S. Sankhe; Mumbai, MAHARASHTRA/IN - nothing to disclose S. Kale; Mumbai/IN - nothing to disclose

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