Diffusion Tensor Imaging, What DTI Measures, Clinical Uses of DTI MRI:

Diffusion Tensor Imaging Magnetic Resonance Imaging. It is a special type of MRI scan used to visualize and map white matter tracts in the brain and spinal cord by measuring the diffusion of water molecule.

   ✅ What DTI Measures:

• Water movement in tissue — especially along nerve fibers (axons).

• Anisotropic diffusion: In white matter, water tends to move along the direction of the fibers.

• This directional data helps generate 3D maps (tractography) of neural pathways.

🧠 Clinical Uses of DTI MRI:

1. Brain Tumors – To see if a tumor is affecting or displacing white matter tract.

2. Stroke – To assess damage to white matter.

3. Multiple Sclerosis – To identify demyelination and white matter.

4. Traumatic Brain Injury  – To detect subtle white matter damage.

5. Pre-surgical Planning – Especially for epilepsy or tumor resections.

6. Neurodevelopmental Disorders – Like autism or ADHD for research.

7. Spinal Cord Pathologies – In select cases.

📈 Key Parameters in DTI:

Parameter	Meaning
FA (Fractional Anisotropy)	Measures how directional the diffusion is. High FA = healthy white matter.
MD (Mean Diffusivity)	Average diffusion rate; increased in damaged tissue.
Axial & Radial Diffusivity	Provide insight into axonal vs myelin damage.

🎯 Imaging Output:

• Color-coded FA maps (direction of fibers)

• Tractography images (3D fiber tracking of white matter)

DTI