DTI (Diffusion Tensor Imaging)

Question 1

Structure or Function:

Answer 1

Structure (white matter connectivity)

Question 2

How does it work?

Answer 2

• Measures movement of water molecules along axons
• Water diffuses along the direction of nerve fibers
• Uses FA (fractional anisotropy) and MD (mean diffusivity)

Question 3

Combine with cognitive tasks?

Answer 3

No

Question 4

Can it help with diagnoses?

Answer 4

Yes (white matter damage, demyelination)

Question 5

Pros:

Answer 5

• Visualizes white matter tracts
• Shows structural connectivity
• Sensitive to myelination changes

Question 6

Cons:

Answer 6

• Low signal-to-noise ratio
• Indirect measure of connectivity
• Susceptible to motion artifacts