Fiber tracking: principles and strategies – a technical review

Corresponding Author

Susumu Mori

[email protected]

Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Department of Radiology and Radiological Science and Kennedy Krieger Institute, F.M. Kirby Research Center for Functional Brain Imaging, Baltimore, MD 21205, USA

Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Department of Radiology, 217 Traylor Building, 720 Rutland Ave, Baltimore, MD 21205, USASearch for more papers by this author

Peter C. M. van Zijl,

Peter C. M. van Zijl

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Susumu Mori,

Corresponding Author

Susumu Mori

[email protected]

Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Department of Radiology, 217 Traylor Building, 720 Rutland Ave, Baltimore, MD 21205, USASearch for more papers by this author

Peter C. M. van Zijl,

Peter C. M. van Zijl

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First published: 05 December 2002

https://doi.org/10.1002/nbm.781

Citations: 1,310

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Abstract

The state of the art of reconstruction of the axonal tracts in the central nervous system (CNS) using diffusion tensor imaging (DTI) is reviewed. This relatively new technique has generated much enthusiasm and high expectations because it presently is the only approach available to non-invasively study the three-dimensional architecture of white matter tracts. While there is no doubt that DTI fiber tracking is providing exciting new opportunities to study CNS anatomy, it is very important to understand its limitations. In this review we therefore assess the basic principles and the assumptions that need to be made for each step of the study, including both data acquisition and the elaborate fiber reconstruction algorithms. Special attention is paid to situations where complications may arise, and possible solutions are reviewed. Validation issues and potential future directions and improvements are also discussed. Copyright © 2002 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.

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Abbreviations used:

ALS: amyotrophic lateral sclerosis
CNS: central nervous system
CST: cortio-spinal tract, DTI, diffusion tensor imaging
FACT: fiber assignment by continuous tracking
FPT: frontopontine tract
ROI: region of interest
SLF: superior longitudinal fasciculus
SNR: signal-to-noise ratio
TPOPT: temporo parietalo occipital pontine tract

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Volume15, Issue7-8

Special Issue: Diffusion tensor imaging and axonal mapping ‐ state of the art

November ‐ December 2002

Pages 468-480

Fiber tracking: principles and strategies – a technical review

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Fiber tracking: principles and strategies – a technical review

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