Diffusion tensor imaging and diffusion tensor tractography in brainstem tumors with the medial lemnnicus invaded

Objective To explore the change of medial lemniscus of brainstem tumors and its surrounding tumors with 3.0 T MR for the use of diffusion tensor imaging (DTI) and diffusion tensor tractography (DTT)technology.Methods 25 cases brainstem tumors and its surrounding tumors were analyzed.There are 14 males and 11 females,and the age ranged from 4 to 59 years with the mean age of 23.7 years,as well as 25 cases normal controls match with gender and age.All patients and normal controls were performed DTI scan.Results DTI and DTT technology can be used to evaluation of corticospinal tract and medial lemnicus.The DTI and DTT technology can two-and three-dimensionally shows the spatial relation of tumors and fiber tracts.Conclusions The DTI and DTT technology can shows the relationship of tumors and fiber tracts.It is very important to protect these fiber tracts in the perioperative,as well as monitoring prognosis. Key words: Magnetic resonance imaging;  Diffusion tensor imaging;  Diffusion tensor tractography;  Brainstem ;  Medial lemniscus