Gustav Andreisek MD, Presenter: Grant, Holcim Ltd Grant, Siemens AG Speaker, Mepha Pharma AG Speaker, Guerbet SA Travel support, Guerbet SA Consultant, Otsuka Holdings Co, Ltd Travel support, Otsuka Holdings Co, Ltd Institutional Research Grant, Bayer AG Institutional Research Grant, Guerbet AG Institutional research collaboration, Siemens AG Institutional research collaboration, Koninklijke Philips NV Speaker, General Electric Company Speaker, Koninklijke Philips NV Speaker, Siemens AG

1) Identify the basic microanatomy of peripheral nerves, main pathologic conditions, and physiologic principles of diffusion-weighted tensor imaging (DTI). 2) Apply diffusion-weighted tensor imaging (DTI) to imaging protocols for peripheral neuropathies, used for both, research and clinical practice. 3) Analyze diffusion-weighted tensor imaging (DTI) images both quantitatively and qualitatively. 4) Understand the current applications but also limitations of diffusion-weighted tensor imaging (DTI) of peripheral nerves.

Diffusion tensor imaging (DTI) is an MR imaging technique which uses the random motion (diffusion) of water molecules within biologic tissues. Due to the tissues ` distinct structural properties, the diffusion is hindered in some directions but at the same typically not hindered in other directions. DTI is a well known imaging technique in the brain and central nervous system, but its application to the periperal nerveous system was limited in the past due to multiple technical reasons. However, numerous recent studies show now that the technique cannot only be applied sucessfully to image peripheral nerves, but they  also showed that the technique is very sensitive and specific for  the detection of peripheral nerve injuries and other neuropathies. DTI may also serve as a biomarker for the demyelination of axons and the extend of nerve fiber loss. The refresher course will cover the basic principles of DTI, the challanges and limitations for imaging protocols, as well as the evaluation of DTI images (both quantitatively and qualitatively). MR tractography of peripheral nerves will also be covered.

Andreisek, G, DTI of the Peripheral Nervous System.  Radiological Society of North America 2014 Scientific Assembly and Annual Meeting, - ,Chicago IL. http://archive.rsna.org/2014/14001576.html