Methodology of diffusion-weighted, diffusion tensor and magnetisation transfer imaging

Abstract

MRI offers a number of opportunities to examine characteristics of tissue well below the spatial resolution of the imaging technique. The best known of these is diffusion imaging, which allows the production of images whose contrast reflects the ability of water molecules to move through the extravascular extracellular space. Less well-known, but increasingly important, is magnetisation transfer imaging, which produces contrast based on the ability of protons to move between the free water pool and local macromolecules. Both of these techniques offer unique information about the microscopic and molecular structure of tumour tissue. This article will briefly review the underlying theory and technical aspects associated with these imaging techniques.