MRI Brain with Tractography (DTI) is a specialized MRI examination that maps the brain's white-matter pathways using diffusion tensor imaging, helping assess neural tract integrity and the relationship of brain lesions to important nerve pathways for diagnosis, treatment planning, and selected pre-surgical evaluation.
Disclaimer: Result availability is subject to the laboratory's schedule and test availability.
It can help determine the relationship between a brain lesion and important white-matter pathways, providing useful information for surgical planning and helping clinicians aim to preserve critical neurological functions.
Yes. DTI can provide information about white-matter integrity and changes in neural pathways following stroke or traumatic brain injury. The findings are interpreted together with conventional MRI and clinical assessment.
Yes. A routine brain MRI primarily evaluates brain structure, whereas DTI and tractography provide additional information about the organization and integrity of white-matter pathways.
Usually, no special preparation is required for a non-contrast study. Inform the MRI team about metallic implants, pacemakers, previous surgeries, pregnancy or possible pregnancy, and other implanted medical devices.
Depending on the findings, your doctor may recommend additional MRI, functional MRI, CT, neurological evaluation, neuropsychological testing, or other specialized investigations.
This examination may be recommended for patients with a brain tumor, lesion, stroke, traumatic brain injury, or other neurological condition where assessment of important white-matter pathways is required. It is particularly useful in selected cases before brain surgery.