Peripheral nerve diffusion tensor imaging: Overview, pitfalls, and future directions

Abstract

Diffusion tensor imaging (DTI) is a noninvasive magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) technique that measures the extent of restricted water diffusion and anisotropy in biological tissue. Although DTI has been widely applied in the brain, more recently researchers have used it to characterize nerve pathology in the setting of entrapment neuropathy, traumatic injury, and tumor. DTI artifacts are exacerbated when imaging off isocenter in the body. Anecdotally, the most significant artifacts in peripheral nerve DTI include magnetic field inhomogeneity, motion, incomplete fat suppression, aliasing, and distortion. High spatial resolution is also required to reliably evaluate smaller peripheral nerves. This article provides an overview of such technical issues, particularly when trying to apply DTI in the clinical setting, and offers potential solutions.

Level of evidence: 5 Technical Efficacy: Stage 3 J. Magn. Reson. Imaging 2018;47:1171-1189.

Keywords: diffusion tensor imaging; magnetic resonance imaging; magnetic resonance neurography; peripheral nerves; tractography.