Optimization of white matter tractography for pre-surgical planning and image-guided surgery

Oncol Rep. 2006;15(4):1061-1064. doi: 10.3892/or.15.4.1061.

Abstract

Accurate localization of white matter fiber tracts in relation to brain tumors is a goal of critical importance to the neurosurgical community. White matter fiber tractography by means of diffusion tensor magnetic resonance imaging (DTI) is the only non-invasive method that can provide estimates of brain connectivity. However, conventional tractography methods are based on data acquisition techniques that suffer from image distortions and artifacts. Thus, a large percentage of white matter fiber bundles are distorted, and/or terminated early, while others are completely undetected. This severely limits the potential of fiber tractography in pre-surgical planning and image-guided surgery. In contrast, Turboprop-DTI is a technique that provides images with significantly fewer distortions and artifacts than conventional DTI data acquisition methods. The purpose of this study was to evaluate fiber tracking results obtained from Turboprop-DTI data. It was demonstrated that Turboprop may be a more appropriate DTI data acquisition technique for tracing white matter fibers than conventional DTI methods, especially in applications such as pre-surgical planning and image-guided surgery.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Artifacts
  • Brain / anatomy & histology*
  • Brain / surgery
  • Brain Mapping / methods*
  • Brain Neoplasms / surgery*
  • Diffusion Magnetic Resonance Imaging*
  • Humans
  • Neurosurgical Procedures / methods
  • Preoperative Care