Non-invasive assessment of axonal fiber connectivity in the human brain via diffusion tensor MRI

A technique for assessing in vivo fiber connectivity in the human brain is presented. The method utilizes a novel connectivity algorithm that operates in three spatial dimensions and uses estimates of fiber tract orientation and tissue anisotropy, obtained from diffusion tensor magnetic resonance im aging, to establish the pathways of fiber tracts. Sample in vivo connectivi ty images from healthy human brain are presented that demonstrate connectio ns in the white matter tracts. White matter connectivity information is pot entially of interest in the study of a range of neurological, psychiatric, and developmental disorders and shows promise for following the natural his tory of disease. Magn Reson Med 42:37-41, 1999. (C) 1999 Wiley-Liss, Inc.