Application of Diffusion Weighted Imaging and Diffusion Tensor Imaging in the Pretreatment and Post-treatment of Brain Tumor

Ranliang Hu; Michael J Hoch

doi:10.1016/j.rcl.2021.01.003

Application of Diffusion Weighted Imaging and Diffusion Tensor Imaging in the Pretreatment and Post-treatment of Brain Tumor

Radiol Clin North Am. 2021 May;59(3):335-347. doi: 10.1016/j.rcl.2021.01.003. Epub 2021 Mar 23.

Authors

Ranliang Hu¹, Michael J Hoch²

Affiliations

¹ Department of Radiology & Imaging Sciences, Emory University, Emory University Hospital, 1364 Clifton Road, BG 20, Atlanta, GA 30322, USA.
² Department of Radiology, University of Pennsylvania, Hospital of the University of Pennsylvania, 3400 Spruce Street, Suite 130, Philadelphia, PA 19104, USA. Electronic address: Michael.Hoch@pennmedicine.upenn.edu.

PMID: 33926681
DOI: 10.1016/j.rcl.2021.01.003

Abstract

Diffusion MR imaging exploits the diffusion properties of water to generate contrast between normal tissue and pathology. Diffusion is an essential component of nearly all brain tumor MR imaging examinations. This review covers the important clinical applications of diffusion weighted imaging in the pretreatment diagnosis and grading of brain tumors and assessment of treatment response. Diffusion imaging improves the accuracy of identifying treatment-related effects that may mimic tumor improvement or worsening. Fiber tractography models of eloquent white matter pathways are generated using diffusion tensor imaging. A practical and concise tractography guide is provided for anyone new to preoperative surgical mapping.

Keywords: ADC; Anisotropy; Brain mapping; Glioma; Neurosurgery; Tractography.

Publication types

Review

MeSH terms

Brain / diagnostic imaging
Brain Neoplasms / diagnostic imaging*
Brain Neoplasms / surgery
Diffusion Magnetic Resonance Imaging / methods*
Diffusion Tensor Imaging / methods
Humans
Postoperative Care / methods*
Preoperative Care / methods*