Fiber tracking of human brain using fourth-order tensor and high angular resolution diffusion imaging.

The accuracy of fiber tracking on the basis of diffusion tensor magnetic resonance imaging (DTI) is affected by many parameters. To increase accuracy of the tracking algorithm, we introduce DTI with a fourth-order tensor. Tensor elements comprise information obtained by high angular resolution diffusion imaging (HARDI).

DTI of commissural fibers in patients with Chiari II-malformation.

Chiari II-malformation is a complex congenital deformity of the brain which is frequently associated with hydrocephalus. Abnormalities of the corpus callosum are known to occur in the majority of patients. The objective of the present study was to study the microstructure of the corpus callosum (CC) and the anterior commissure (AC) to differentiate between different mechanisms of damage to these structures.