Diffusion-tensor imaging of small nerve bundles: cranial nerves, peripheral nerves, distal spinal cord, and lumbar nerve roots--clinical applications.

Objective: The purpose of this article is to review recent advances in diffusion-tensor imaging (DTI) and tractography of the cranial and peripheral nerves.

Conclusion: Advances in MR data acquisition and postprocessing methods are permitting high-resolution DTI of the cranial and peripheral nerves in the clinical setting. DTI offers information beyond routine clinical MRI, and DTI findings have implications for the diagnosis and treatment of nerve disease.