Normal regional fractional anisotropy and apparent diffusion coefficient of the brain measured on a 3 T MR scanner

Abstract

We aim to establish norms of fractional anisotropy (FA) and apparent diffusion coefficient (ADC) in 20 different regions of the brain in healthy human volunteers. Thirty-one individuals were examined for ADC and FA in 20 regions of the brain using a single-shot, spin echo, echo planar diffusion tensor imaging sequence with 32 directions at 3 T. FA and ADC maps were computed using the Philips PRIDE tool, and regions of interest were drawn at 20 different locations in the brain. Relationships of FA and ADC with age and gender were explored. We found a negative correlation between age and FA in the inferior fronto-occipital fasciculus and forceps minor. There were no gender differences. The cerebral peduncle, the middle cerebellum, and cingulum had the highest variation in FA, while fornix, optic radiation, and optic tract had the highest variation in ADC. We provide a table of normative FA and ADC measurements in 20 brain regions of potential clinical relevance to the diagnosis and monitoring of specific neurological diseases.