Neuroimaging clinics of North America
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Neuroimaging Clin. N. Am. · Aug 2019
ReviewConnectomics in Brain Malformations: How Is the Malformed Brain Wired?
A new neuroimaging dimension is currently being adopted. The structural connectome reveals macroscale white matter connectivity of the human brain, providing insights into brain networks organization. ⋯ Connectomics provides a powerful set of network measures, which can serve as noninvasive biomarkers for the diagnosis, prognostication, and treatment response of children. We discuss the principles of connectome reconstruction and visualization of the pediatric structural connectome using current state-of-the-art neuroimaging and postprocessing techniques, and we describe potential connectomics applications to study brain malformations.
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Normal brain development is best evaluated by MR imaging in the fetal and pediatric patient. As the developing brain grows, myelinates, and sulcates rapidly, understanding the normal appearance of the brain throughout development is critical. ⋯ Sensory axons generally myelinate before motor axons with central to peripheral and dorsal to ventral myelination gradients. By 2 years of age, the brain has a near adult appearance by conventional anatomic MR imaging.
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Prenatal imaging of the central nervous system has proven to be essential in the detection of anomalies to guide counseling and intrauterine and postnatal therapies. However, understanding the appearance of normal is important because the fetal brain changes dramatically during the pregnancy. ⋯ The initial section stresses techniques for both modalities. The second section describes ultrasound and MR landmarks in a normal fetal brain.
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Neuroimaging Clin. N. Am. · Aug 2019
ReviewDiffusion Tensor Imaging of Brain Malformations: Exploring the Internal Architecture.
Diffusion tensor imaging (DTI) is an advanced MR imaging technique that provides noninvasive qualitative and quantitative information about the white matter microarchitecture. By measuring the three-dimensional directional characteristics of water molecule diffusion/mobility, DTI generates unique tissue contrasts that are used to study the axonal organization of the central nervous system. Its applications include quantitative evaluation of the brain connectivity, development, and white matter diseases. This article reviews DTI and fiber tractography findings in several brain malformations and highlights the added value of DTI and fiber tractography compared with conventional MR imaging.