阿尔茨海默病患者脑白质束铁沉积的磁共振相位成像

目的：利用磁共振相位成像和扩散张量成像(DTI)技术,探讨阿尔茨海默病(AD)患者的脑白质束损伤与相应白质束铁沉积的相关性。方法：对25例AD患者及20例年龄相匹配的健康老年志愿者进行MR扩散张量成像及相位成像。DTI数据经后处理生成平均扩散系数(MD)和部分各向异性(FA)图,分别测量穹窿、胼胝体膝部、胼胝体压部、双...     

Voxel-based diffusion tensor magnetic resonance imaging evaluation of low-grade hepatic encephalopathy

PURPOSE: To quantify the changes in brain water diffusivity in hepatic encephalopathy (HE) associated with cirrhosis using diffusion tensor imaging (DTI) and to correlate with neuropsychological (NP) scores. MATERIALS AND METHODS: DTI was performed in 14 patients with low-grade HE and age/gender-comparable 16 healthy controls. Whole brain mean diffusivity (MD) and fractional anisotropy (FA) maps were calculated, normalized to common space, smoothed, and compared voxel-by-voxel between groups using analysis of covariance with age included as a covariate. The average MD and FA values were also calculated from individual subjects for selected brain regions and correlated with the neuropsychological scores. RESULTS: Patients with HE showed increased MD in the cortical gray and white matter and the internal capsule. Less extensive brain regions with decreased FA were observed in the bilateral frontal and occipital white matter. MD values from the corpus callosum correlated inversely with several NP scores among HE patients and controls. Positive correlations were observed with FA values and cognitive scores. CONCLUSION: Voxel-based DTI analysis showed widespread brain regions with increased MD values, indicating enhanced water content and decreased FA in cirrhotic patients with HE. The MD and FA values from selected regions correlated with the NP scores.     

Diffusion tensor imaging in the assessment of normal-appearing brain tissue damage in relapsing neuromyelitis optica

BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE: Normal-appearing brain tissue (NABT) damage was established in multiple sclerosis by histology, MR spectroscopy, magnetization transfer imaging and diffusion tensor imaging (DTI). However, whether this phenomenon can be detected in relapsing neuromyelitis optica (RNMO) remains unclear. The aim of this study was to use DTI to investigate the presence of NABT damage in RNMO patients and its possible mechanism. METHODS: Conventional MR imaging and DTI scans were performed in 16 patients with RNMO without visible lesions on brain MR imaging and in 16 sex- and age-matched healthy control subjects. Histogram analysis of mean diffusivity (MD) and fractional anisotropy (FA) was performed in the entire brain tissue (BT), white matter (WM), and gray matter (GM). Region of interest (ROI) analysis of MD and FA was also performed in WM regions connected with the spinal white matter tracts or optic nerve (including medulla oblongata, cerebral peduncle, internal capsule, and optic radiation), in corpus callosum without direct connection with them, and in some GM regions. RESULTS: From histogram analysis, we found the RNMO group had a higher average MD of the BT, WM, and GM, a lower average MD peak height and a higher average MD peak location of the GM, and a higher average FA peak height of the WM than did the control group. From ROI analysis, compared with control subjects, RNMO patients had a higher average MD and a lower average FA in ROIs of WM connected with the spinal white matter tracts or optic nerve and a normal average MD and FA in corpus callosum without direct connection with them. In addition, a high average MD was found in parietal GM in these patients. CONCLUSIONS: Our findings confirm the presence of abnormal diffusion in brain tissue in patients with RNMO and suggest that secondary degeneration caused by lesions in the spinal cord and optic nerve might be an important mechanism for this abnormality.     

多发性硬化的正常表现脑白质的DTI定量

目的：应用磁共振弥散张量成像（DTI）技术，定量研究多发性硬化（MS）患者在常规磁共振上表现正常的脑白质（NAWM），以及探讨其相关的微观病理改变。材料和方法：采用3．0T磁共振仪，对34例Ms患者和25例性别年龄相匹配的正常志愿者均进行DTI检查。分别测量MS组和对照组的9个不同部位脑白质的平均弥散率（MD）和部分各向异性指数（FA值），这9个部位包括胼胝体膝部、体部、压部、内囊后肢、侧脑室旁白质、额叶白质、顶叶白质、枕叶白质以及小脑中脚。比较两组NAWM之间的MD和FA值是否存在差异。结果：MS组的NAWM的MD值均高于对照组（P〈0．05），以胼胝体体部、内囊、侧脑室旁及额叶白质、顶叶白质、枕叶白质更为显著（P〈0．01）；MS组的FA值与对照组比较，胼胝体体部、顶叶白质、额叶白质、枕叶白质及内囊、侧脑室旁发现明显降低（P〈0．05），以后4个部位更为显著（P〈0．01），而胼胝体膝部、压部和小脑结合臂有降低趋势，但无统计学意义。结论：应用DTI定量研究可以探测到多发性硬化的NAWM所出现的微观病理改变，表现为水分子的平均弥散幅度明显升高，以幕上明显，并且胼胝体体部、内囊后肢等白质纤维明显失去正常的方向性。DTI在对白质损伤程度的量化评估中具有重要的价值。     

偏头痛患者磁共振弥散张量成像的初步探讨

 目的探讨偏头痛患者磁共振弥散张量中脑白质损害。方法对17例偏头痛患者和16名健康志愿者,进行磁共振弥散张量成像(diffusiontensorimaging,DTI)检查。分别测定两组受试者的双侧额叶皮层下白质、双侧侧脑室旁周围白质和双侧枕叶皮层下白质中感兴趣区(regionofinterests,ROIs)的“看似正常的白质”(normalappearingwhitematter,NAWM)表观扩散系数(apparentdiffusioncoefficient,ADC)和各向异性分数(fractionalanisotropy,FA),对两组数据进行比较分析。结果偏头痛组双侧侧脑室旁周围白质ADC值较对照组明显增高(P<0.05),双侧枕叶皮层下白质各向FA值较对照组明显降低(P<0.01)。结论DTI有助于早期发现偏头痛患者的脑白质损害。     

Diffusion tensor imaging in polymicrogyria: a report of three cases

Introduction Polymicrogyria (PMG), a neuronal migration disorder, commonly manifests as a seizure disorder. The aim of this study was to look for the abnormalities in the underlying white matter using diffusion tensor imaging (DTI) that appeared normal on conventional magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) in patients with PMG.Methods DTI was performed in three patients with PMG and eight age- and sex-matched healthy controls. Fractional anisotropy (FA) and mean diffusivity (MD) values were calculated for the cortex and adjoining subcortical white matter in both controls and patients.Results We observed a significantly decreased mean FA value with no significant change in the MD value in subcortical white matter underlying polymicrogyric cortex (FA=0.23±0.04, MD=1.0±0.05×10⁻³ mm²/s) as compared to both contralateral (FA=0.32±0.04, MD=1.0±0.05×10⁻³ mm²/s) and normal control (FA=0.32±0.04, MD=1.0±0.06×10⁻³ mm²/s) white matter. Significantly increased MD and decreased FA values were also observed in the polymicrogyric cortex (FA=0.08±0.01, MD=1.2±0.10×10⁻³ mm²/s) as compared to normal contralateral (FA=0.12±0.04, MD=1.1±0.09×10⁻³ mm²/s) and normal control (FA=0.12±0.01, MD=1.1±0.09×10⁻³ mm²/s) cortex.Conclusion Significantly decreased FA values with no change in MD values in the subcortical white matter subjacent to polymicrogyric cortex reflect microstructural changes in the white matter probably due to the presence of ectopic neurons.     

局灶性脑皮质发育不良的扩散张量成像初步研究

目的 探讨DTI技术诊断局灶性脑皮质发育不良(FCD)的价值.方法 回顾性分析12例FCD患者的临床、MRI及DTI等资料.DTI经过图像后处理,获得平均扩散系数(MD)和部分各向异性分数(FA)图及彩色编码张量图,于FCD的皮质下白质区及对侧相应皮质下白质区设置椭圆形ROI,测量每个ROI的MD及FA值.病灶侧与对侧MD、FA值的比较采用配对t检验.扩散张量纤维束示踪成像(DTT)以T_2 WI图像为参照,ROI设置同DTI,以ROI中的任一点作为种子点,获得通过该ROI区域的所有白质纤维束示踪图像.结果 12例患者MR平扫均显示局灶性脑皮质增厚及灰白质界限不清,其中7例显示皮质下白质稍长T_1、稍长T_2信号,2例皮质下白质萎缩,3例皮质下白质无明显异常.DTI分析显示FCD邻近皮质下白质与对侧比较FA值明显下降(患侧0.31±0.05,对侧0.42±0.08,t=-3.995,P<0.01),MD值明显上升[患侧(1.02±0.16)×10~(-3)mm~2/s,对侧(0.86±0.13)×10~(-3) mm~2/s,t=2.655,P<0.05],差异均有统计学意义.DTT显示10例FCD患者皮质下白质纤维束较对侧明确减少,2例较对侧可能减少,主要表现为皮质下白质纤维稀疏,与深部白质纤维间联系减少.结论 FCD除了导致脑皮质结构异常外,也影响局部皮质下白质纤维的发育,DTI是常规MR检查的重要补充.     

脑白质疏松的扩散张量成像(DTI)研究

目的 应用扩散张量成像（DTI）检查脑白质疏松（LA）病灶的平均扩散系数（DCavg）、各向异性（FA）值与LA严重程度的关系,探讨常规MBI检查正常的脑白质微结构在DTI中的变化及与认知功能的关系。资料与方法 对55例LA患者和22名健康老年人行DTI检查,测量LA病灶和正常白质区域的DCavg、FA值。结果 LA程度越严重,DCavg值越高,呈正相关;FA值越低,呈负相关。神经心理学测试（简易智能精神状态量表,MMSE）与LA患者的正常脑白质区域的DCavg、FA值明显相关,尤其是前角白质、半卵圆中心的正常脑白质。结论 DTI检查LA,其DCavg、FA值显示出特征性的改变,DTI能够发现常规MRI检查正常的脑白质微结构改变,且这种改变与认知功能相关。     

Measurement of cytotoxic and interstitial components of cerebral edema in acute hepatic failure by diffusion tensor imaging

PURPOSE: To use diffusion tensor imaging (DTI) metrics for measuring cytotoxic and interstitial components of cerebral edema (CE) in acute hepatic failure (AHF) patients. CE is a major complication in patients with AHF. MATERIALS AND METHODS: DTI was performed in 20 patients with AHF and 15 controls. Ten patients underwent repeat imaging after recovery from encephalopathy. Various regions of interest (ROIs) were drawn in the white and deep gray matter of the brain for the quantitation of fractional anisotropy (FA), mean diffusivity (MD), spherical isotropy (CS), linear anisotropy (CL), and planar anisotropy (CP) values. RESULTS: Significantly decreased MD values were observed in most brain ROIs in patients compared to controls. Significantly decreased FA, CL with increased CS values was also observed. In survivors with normal clinical profile after 3 weeks, a significant increase in MD and FA values were associated with decreased CS values in some regions compared to baseline study; however, it was still significantly changed compared to controls. CONCLUSION: Decreased MD and increased CS associated with decreased FA represent cytotoxic and interstitial components of CE, respectively. Incomplete normalization of these metrics in survivors after 3 weeks clinical recovery may be due to incomplete metabolic recovery.     

基于TBSS的急性CO中毒患者脑白质微细结构损伤研究

目的应用扩散张量成像(DTI)观察急性CO中毒患者脑白质结构的改变,应用影像技术量化脑白质损害程度,推测急性CO中毒迟发性脑病相关机制。方法对25例急性CO中毒患者和25例性别与年龄相匹配的健康志愿者进行头部磁共振DTI扫描,采用基于纤维束示踪的空间统计方法(TBSS),分析急性CO中毒患者脑白质平均扩散系数(MD)、各向异性分数(FA)的变化,探讨其与患者认知功能障碍间的相关性。结果与健康对照组对比,急性CO中毒患者组的放射冠、胼胝体的MD增高而FA降低(P<0.05);双侧上纵束,内、外囊,丘脑和脑干的MD增加但无FA改变(P<0.05)。与临床量表分数相关性比较发现,差异脑区FA值与MMSE评分呈一定正相关(P<0.05),差异脑区MD值与MMSE评分呈一定负相关(P<0.05)。结论DTI准确反映急性CO中毒导致脑内白质广泛的血管源性水肿以及脑白质纤维束完整性损害,可能量化反应病情缺氧脑损伤程度、预测迟发性脑病,同时DTI参数的改变还可以一定程度反映患者认知障碍情况。     

Peroxisomal biogenesis disorder: comparison of conventional MR imaging with diffusion-weighted and diffusion-tensor imaging findings

BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE: Peroxisomal biogenesis disorders (PBDs) refer to a group of disorders of peroxisomal biogenesis causing neuronal migration disorder, delayed myelination, and demyelination. The aim of this study was to evaluate the added value of diffusion-weighted imaging (DWI) and diffusion tensor imaging (DTI) compared with that of conventional T2-weighted imaging in assessing the extent of white matter damage in patients with PBDs. METHODS: Three patients (aged 12, 16, and 80 months) with PBD (type 1 protein targeting sequence [PTS1]) and three age-matched control subjects underwent MR imaging on a 1.5-T system. The protocol included axial T2-weighted, DWI, and DTI sequences. Fractional anisotropy (FA) and apparent diffusion coefficient (ADC) changes were calculated using regions of interest at several predefined white matter areas and compared with those of age-matched control subjects. Color-coded maps were obtained to visualize the range of FA values. RESULTS: On the T2-weighted images, one patient revealed severe hypomyelination throughout the brain; the two other patients showed focal abnormal high-signal-intensity areas. All patients had significantly decreased FA values in white matter areas that appeared abnormal on the T2-weighted images. In two of the three patients, significant FA reduction was also found in normal-appearing white matter. The ADC values of the patients were significantly increased compared with those of the age-matched controls. CONCLUSION: Although based on a small number of patients, our data suggest that DWI and DTI can be used to characterize and quantify white matter tract injury in patients with PBD-PTS1. Furthermore, our data suggest that these techniques have the potential to identify neurodegenerative changes not yet visible on T2-weighted images.     

Diffusion tensor imaging in patients with acute onset of neuropsychiatric systemic lupus erythematosus: a prospective study of apparent diffusion coefficient, fractional anisotropy values, and eigenvalues in different regions of the brain

PURPOSE: To investigate whether apparent diffusion coefficient (ADC), fractional anisotropy (FA), and eigenvalues in neuropsychiatric systemic lupus erythematosus (NPSLE) patients differ from those of healthy controls. MATERIAL AND METHODS: Eight NPSLE patients (aged 23-55 years, mean 42.9 years) and 20 healthy age-matched controls (aged 22-59 years, mean 44.4 years) underwent conventional brain magnetic resonance (MR) and diffusion tensor imaging (DTI). The ADC, FA, principal eigenvalue (lambda parallel), and the corresponding average perpendicular eigenvalue (lambda perpendicular) (=(lambda2+lambda3)/2) were measured in selected regions of normal appearing gray and white matter brain parenchyma. For statistical evaluation of differences between the two groups, a Student's t-test was used. The P value for statistical significance was set to P=0.0025 after Bonferroni correction for multiple measurements. RESULTS: Significantly increased ADC values were demonstrated in normal-appearing areas in the insular cortex (P<0.001), thalamus (P<0.001), and the parietal and frontal white matter (P<0.001 and P<0.001, respectively) in NPSLE patients. Significantly decreased FA values were demonstrated in normal-appearing thalamus (P<0.001), corpus callosum (P=0.002), and in the parietal and frontal white matter (P<0.001 and P<0.001, respectively) in NPSLE patients compared to healthy controls. The lambda perpendicular was significantly higher in several of these regions in NPSLE patients compared to healthy controls. CONCLUSION: Our study demonstrates alterations in normal-appearing gray and white matter brain parenchyma of patients with NPSLE by means of abnormal ADC, FA, and eigenvalues. These alterations may be based on loss of tissue integrity in part due to demyelination. It is possible that DTI in the future could assist in the diagnosis of NPSLE and possibly help to further elucidate the pathogenesis of NPSLE.     

顺行性或逆行性改变:肌萎缩性侧索硬化的磁共振研究

目的 结合磁共振波谱成像(MRSI)、扩散张量成像技术(DTI)及MRI对肌萎缩性侧索硬化(ALS)进行对照研究,观察ALS皮质脊髓束(CST)走行区的代谢以及水分子运动的变化规律,探讨CST是否有顺、逆行性变化.资料与方法 采用MRI、MRSI及DTI技术对12例ALS患者和12名正常志愿者进行扫描,观察测量中央前回皮层下白质(SWM)、半卵圆中心(CS)、内囊后肢(PIC)、侧脑室体旁白质(PV)和大脑脚(CP)等5个CST不同解剖平面的氮-乙酰天门冬氨酸(NAA)与肌酸(Cr)比值,各向异性比(FA值)以及平均扩散率(MD值),分析比较ALS 患者和正常对照组以及不同侧别FA值、MD值以及NAA/Cr值的变化.结果 ALS的FA值较正常对照组明显降低(P＜0.001),在CST走行区的SWM、CS、PV 和 PIC平面,ALS组的FA值较正常组明显降低(P＜0.05或P＜0.01), MD值在ALS组有升高的趋势,但无统计学意义.在SWM和PV平面,ALS的NAA/Cr值较正常组降低明显(P＜0.05).FA值和MD值分别在PV和CP有左高右低的变化(P＜0.05).结论 MRSI与DTI相结合能够早期定量探测ALS患者CST的改变,左侧SWM可能为最先发生改变的区域,CST的改变可能为顺行性改变,在不同的平面改变不对称.     

A preliminary diffusional kurtosis imaging study of Parkinson disease: comparison with conventional diffusion tensor imaging

Introduction

Diffusional kurtosis imaging (DKI) is a more sensitive technique than conventional diffusion tensor imaging (DTI) for assessing tissue microstructure. In particular, it quantifies the microstructural integrity of white matter, even in the presence of crossing fibers. The aim of this preliminary study was to compare how DKI and DTI show white matter alterations in Parkinson disease (PD).

Methods

DKI scans were obtained with a 3-T magnetic resonance imager from 12 patients with PD and 10 healthy controls matched by age and sex. Tract-based spatial statistics were used to compare the mean kurtosis (MK), mean diffusivity (MD), and fractional anisotropy (FA) maps of the PD patient group and the control group. In addition, a region-of-interest analysis was performed for the area of the posterior corona radiata and superior longitudinal fasciculus (SLF) fiber crossing.

Results

FA values in the frontal white matter were significantly lower in PD patients than in healthy controls. Reductions in MK occurred more extensively throughout the brain: in addition to frontal white matter, MK was lower in the parietal, occipital, and right temporal white matter. The MK value of the area of the posterior corona radiata and SLF fiber crossing was also lower in the PD group.

Conclusion

DKI detects changes in the cerebral white matter of PD patients more sensitively than conventional DTI. In addition, DKI is useful for evaluating crossing fibers. By providing a sensitive index of brain pathology in PD, DKI may enable improved monitoring of disease progression.     

复发好转型多发性硬化表现正常脑白质DTI研究

目的:利用扩散张量成像(DTI)直方图分析,明确复发好转型多发性硬化(RRMS)患者表现正常脑白质(NAWM)的异常改变及DTI直方图指标与扩展残疾状态(EDSS)评分的相关性。方法:对29例RRMS患者和35例健康志愿者行常规MRI和DTI检查,分割提取NAWM后,绘制出NAWM的平均扩散率(MD)和部分各向异性(FA)直方图,并对其进行分析。结果:与健康志愿者比较,RRMS患者NAWM平均MD直方图右移、峰高降低;平均FA直方图左移、峰高增高。RRMS患者NAWM的平均MD、MD直方图峰位置和FA直方图峰高明显高于健康志愿者(P<0.001),而MD直方图峰高和平均FA明显低于健康志愿者(P<0.001)。在RRMS患者,所有NAWM的MD和FA直方图指标与EDSS评分均无相关性。结论:RRMS患者NAWM内存在明显扩散异常。     

慢性高原病的脑磁共振弥散张量成像研究

目的：应用3.0T磁共振弥散张量成像（diffusion tensor imaging,DTI）技术,评价慢性高原病患者脑白质的各向异性分数（fractional anisotrophy,FA）。方法：本研究共包括9例慢性高原病患者和10例正常志愿者,行常规MRI扫描及DTI扫描,测定DTI图像上不同脑白质区的FA值,并比较两组FA值的差异。结果：两组常规MR检查未见明确差异,DTI示慢性高原病组双侧额叶及海马旁白质、胼胝体膝部FA值较正常志愿者组降低,差异具有统计学意义（P〈0.05）。结论：慢性高原病患者部分脑白质区FA值下降,提示脑白质纤维束完整性受损。     

Quantification of diffusion tensor imaging in normal white matter maturation of early childhood using an automated processing pipeline

Objectives

The degree and status of white matter myelination can be sensitively monitored using diffusion tensor imaging (DTI). This study looks at the measurement of fractional anistropy (FA) and mean diffusivity (MD) using an automated ROI with an existing DTI atlas.

Methods

Anatomical MRI and structural DTI were performed cross-sectionally on 26 normal children (newborn to 48?months old), using 1.5-T MRI. The automated processing pipeline was implemented to convert diffusion-weighted images into the NIfTI format. DTI-TK software was used to register the processed images to the ICBM DTI-81 atlas, while AFNI software was used for automated atlas-based volumes of interest (VOIs) and statistical value extraction.

Results

DTI exhibited consistent grey–white matter contrast. Triphasic temporal variation of the FA and MD values was noted, with FA increasing and MD decreasing rapidly early in the first 12?months. The second phase lasted 12–24?months during which the rate of FA and MD changes was reduced. After 24?months, the FA and MD values plateaued.

Conclusion

DTI is a superior technique to conventional MR imaging in depicting WM maturation. The use of the automated processing pipeline provides a reliable environment for quantitative analysis of high-throughput DTI data.

Key Points

? Diffusion tensor imaging outperforms conventional MRI in depicting white matter maturation. ? DTI will become an important clinical tool for diagnosing paediatric neurological diseases. ? DTI appears especially helpful for developmental abnormalities, tumours and white matter disease. ? An automated processing pipeline assists quantitative analysis of high throughput DTI data.     

Cerebral white matter damage in frontotemporal dementia assessed by diffusion tensor tractography

INTRODUCTION: We used diffusion tensor imaging (DTI) to study white matter integrity in patients with frontotemporal dementia (FTD). METHODS: The subjects comprised 20 patients (9 men, 11 women) with FTD and 17 age-matched healthy controls (9 men, 8 women). Based on the data obtained from DTI, we performed tractography of the major cerebral pathways, including the pyramidal tracts, genu and splenium of the corpus callosum (CC), bilateral arcuate fasciculi (AF), inferior longitudinal fasciculi (ILF) and uncinate fasciculi (UF). We measured the values of fractional anisotropy (FA) in each fiber and statistically compared the findings in patients with those in controls. RESULTS: We found a significant decrease in FA values in the selected association fibers as well as anterior fibers of the CC in the patients with FTD. The greatest decrease in mean FA of the UF was seen in advanced FTD. On the other hand, there were no significant differences in FA in the bilateral pyramidal tracts. CONCLUSION: The features of FTD from the view point of cerebral white matter damage were revealed by tractography based on DTI. DTI is therefore considered to be a useful method, and may provide clues to elucidating the pathogenesis of FTD.     

Diffusion abnormality in posterior cingulate fiber tracts in Alzheimer’s disease: tract-specific analysis

Purpose

The aim of this study was to determine diffusion abnormalities in the posterior cingulate fiber tracts (PCFTs) in patients with Alzheimer’s disease (AD) by diffusion tensor tractography (DTT).

Materials and methods

We studied 23 AD patients and 18 age-matched normal controls who underwent magnetic resonance imaging using diffusion tensor imaging (DTI). DTT of PCFTs was generated from DTI. Mean diffusivity (MD) and fractional anisotropy (FA) were measured in co-registered voxels along with DTT of PCFTs. Student’s t-test was used to compare results between the AD patients and normal controls.

Results

The MD in PCFTs was significantly higher in AD patients than in normal controls (P = 0.019). The FA in PCFTs was significantly lower in AD patients than in normal controls (P = 0.007).

Conclusion

The abnormal MD increase and FA decrease, which is considered to indicate a net loss of barriers that restrict water molecular motion and tissue anisotropy of white matter, is consistent with neuropathological data that demonstrate partial loss of myelin, axons, and oligodendrial cells in white matter of AD brains. Our results suggest that MD and FA reflect progression of AD-related histopathological changes in the PCFTs and may represent a useful biological index for monitoring AD.     

Diffusion tensor imaging of tract involvement in children with pontine tumors

BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE: Conventional MR imaging permits subcategorization of brain stem tumors by location and focality; however, assessment of white matter tract involvement by tumor is limited. Diffusion tensor imaging (DTI) is a promising method for visualizing white matter tract tumor involvement supratentorially. We investigated the ability of DTI to visualize and quantify white matter tract involvement in pontine tumors. METHODS AND MATERIALS: DTI data (echo-planar, 1.5T) were retrospectively analyzed in 7 patients with pontine tumors (6 diffuse, 1 focal), 4 patient controls, and 5 normal volunteers. Fractional anisotropy (FA) and apparent diffusion coefficient (ADC) were calculated from the diffusion tensor in 6 regions of interest: bilateral corticospinal tracts, transverse pontine fibers, and medial lemnisci. Relationships between FA and ADC values and results of the neurologic examinations were evaluated. RESULTS: The corticospinal tracts and transverse pontine fibers were affected more often than the medial lemnisci. The DTI parameters (FA and ADC) were significantly altered in all tracts of patients with pontine tumors (P < .05), compared with those values in the control groups. A marginally significant (P = .057) association was seen between the severity of cranial nerve deficit and decreased FA. CONCLUSION: DTI provided superior visualization and quantification of tumor involvement in motor, sensory, and transverse pontine tracts, compared with information provided by conventional MR imaging. Thus, DTI may be a sensitive measure of tract invasion. Further prospective studies are warranted to assess the ability of DTI to delineate tumor focality and improve risk stratification in children with pontine tumors.