The Basics of Diffusion MRI
Avery J. L. Berman1,2
1Department of Physics, Carleton University, Ottawa, ON, Canada, 2University of Ottawa Institute of Mental Health Research, The Royal Ottawa Mental Health Centre, Ottawa, ON, Canada

Synopsis

Keywords: Contrast mechanisms: Diffusion, Neuro: Brain connectivity

In this lecture, we’ll learn about the physiological and biophysical processes underlying diffusion MRI, the pulse sequences used to image diffusion, and example applications in clinical imaging and research.

After attending the session, attendees will be able to:

  • Understand how tissue structure impacts the random diffusion of water molecules
  • Understand common acquisition strategies for imaging water diffusion and the typical images that are generated
  • Understand how brain pathology can impact diffusion images
  • Understand how diffusion MRI can be applied in “tractography” for mapping structural brain connectivity

Introduction

The 2023 ISMRT Master Class series focuses on “The Basics of Advanced Brain Imaging”. Functional MRI (lecture 1), Diffusion MRI (lecture 2), and Perfusion MRI (lecture 3) are core techniques used in brain research, and all have been adopted clinically. In these lectures, we’ll learn about the physiological and biophysical processes underlying each contrast mechanism, the pulse sequences used to image the contrast, and example applications in clinical imaging and research.

Learning Objectives

After attending the session, attendees will be able to:
  • Understand how tissue structure impacts the random diffusion of water molecules
  • Understand common acquisition strategies for imaging water diffusion and the typical images that are generated
  • Understand how brain pathology can impact diffusion images
  • Understand how diffusion MRI can be applied in “tractography” for mapping structural brain connectivity

Acknowledgements

No acknowledgement found.

References

No reference found.
Proc. Intl. Soc. Mag. Reson. Med. 31 (2023)