Introduction to Diffusion Tensor Imaging: And Higher Order Models

The concepts behind diffusion tensor imaging (DTI) are commonly difficult to grasp, even for magnetic resonance physicists. To make matters worse, a many more complex higher-order methods have been proposed over the last few years to overcome the now well-known deficiencies of DTI. In Introduction to Diffusion Tensor Imaging: And Higher Order Models, these concepts are explained through extensive use of illustrations rather than equations to help readers gain a more intuitive understanding of the inner workings of these techniques. Emphasis is placed on the interpretation of DTI images and tractography results, the design of experiments, and the types of application studies that can be undertaken. Diffusion MRI is a very active field of research, and theories and techniques are constantly evolving. To make sense of this constantly shifting landscape, there is a need for a textbook that explains the concepts behind how these techniques work in a way that is easy and intuitive to understand—Introduction to Diffusion Tensor Imaging fills this gap.

Extensive use of illustrations to explain the concepts of diffusion tensor imaging and related methodsEasy to understand, even without a background in physicsIncludes sections on image interpretation, experimental design, and applicationsUp-to-date information on more recent higher-order models, which are increasingly being used for clinical applications

1. Basics of Diffusion Measurement
2. Anatomy of Diffusion Measurement
3. Mathematics of Diffusion Measurement
4. Principle of Diffusion Tensor Imaging
5. Mathematics of Diffusion Tensor Imaging
6. Practical Aspects of Diffusion Tensor
7. New Image Contrasts from Diffusion Tensor Imaging: Theory, Meaning, and Usefulness of DTI-Based Imaging
8. Moving Beyond DTI: High Angular Resolution Diffusion Imaging (HARDI)
9. Fiber Tracking: 3-Dimensional Tract Reconstruction
10. Quantification Approaches
11. Application Studies