The use of diffusion imaging to detect microstructure in the preterm brain

Diffusion magnetic resonance imaging utilizes the translational motion of water within tissue to provide information on a variety of tissue characteristics, including micro-structure. It provides quantitative measures that reflect the normal maturational changes of brain microstructure, as well as the impact of brain injury. These applications make diffusion imaging a particularly attractive tool for evaluating preterm infants. In this review, we discuss the basic concepts underlying diffusion imaging, commonly used terminology, and the use of diffusion imaging to evaluate tissue mi-crostructure in preterm neonates.