Diffusion tensor magnetic resonance imaging of brain tumors

Diffusion tensor imaging (DTI) appears to offer the possibility of adding important information to aid in presurgical planning. Although experience is limited, DTI seems to provide useful local information about the structures near the tumor. In the future, DTI may provide an improved way to monitor intraoperative surgical procedures as well as their effects. Evaluation of the response to treatment with chemotherapy and radiation therapy may also become possible. Although DTI has some limitations, its active investigation and further study are clearly warranted.