The physical basis of diffusion-weighted MRI

Mara Cercignani, Mark A. Horsfield

Research output: Contribution to journal › Article

45 Citations (Scopus)

Abstract

Diffusion-weighted (DW) magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) is the only technique that permits a non-invasive in vivo assessment of water molecular diffusion, which reflects tissue configuration at a microscopic level. Therefore, this technique appears to be particularly useful in monitoring brain abnormalities. However, the quantitative measurement of diffusion is not without problems, which may limit the widespread use of diffusion-weighted MRI. In this report, the phenomenon of diffusion is described, together with its effect on the nuclear magnetic resonance signal. The concepts of diffusion anisotropy and diffusion tensor are also introduced, and the technical and hardware requirements are discussed.

Original languageEnglish
JournalJournal of the Neurological Sciences
Volume186
Issue numberSUPPL. 1
DOIs
Publication statusPublished - May 1 2001

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Diffusion Magnetic Resonance Imaging
Anisotropy
Magnetic Resonance Spectroscopy
Water
Brain

Keywords

  • Anisotropy
  • Diffusion
  • Gradient pulses
  • Motion
  • Tensor

ASJC Scopus subject areas

  • Ageing
  • Clinical Neurology
  • Surgery
  • Neuroscience(all)
  • Developmental Neuroscience
  • Neurology

Cite this

The physical basis of diffusion-weighted MRI. / Cercignani, Mara; Horsfield, Mark A.

In: Journal of the Neurological Sciences, Vol. 186, No. SUPPL. 1, 01.05.2001.

Research output: Contribution to journal › Article

Cercignani, M & Horsfield, MA 2001, 'The physical basis of diffusion-weighted MRI', Journal of the Neurological Sciences, vol. 186, no. SUPPL. 1. https://doi.org/10.1016/S0022-510X(01)00486-5
Cercignani M, Horsfield MA. The physical basis of diffusion-weighted MRI. Journal of the Neurological Sciences. 2001 May 1;186(SUPPL. 1). https://doi.org/10.1016/S0022-510X(01)00486-5
Cercignani, Mara ; Horsfield, Mark A. / The physical basis of diffusion-weighted MRI. In: Journal of the Neurological Sciences. 2001 ; Vol. 186, No. SUPPL. 1.
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