ANA Discussion Forum

General Category => Inquiries => Topic started by: Vipulgupta on February 01, 2023, 10:48:53 am

Title: Use of Diffusion Tensor Imaging pre surgery for AN
Post by: Vipulgupta on February 01, 2023, 10:48:53 am

Does anyone has used Diffusion Tensor Imaging (DTI) for Acoustic Neuroma?

I think this is more advanced than MRI and will help surgeon locate Facial Nerve and other Cranial Nerves with respect to the Tumor resulting in better outcomes.

Any pointers will be appreciated.

Title: Re: Use of Diffusion Tensor Imaging pre surgery for AN
Post by: sovad28944 on December 17, 2024, 08:17:39 am

Diffusion Tensor Imaging (DTI) has indeed been explored for its potential in cases involving acoustic neuroma (vestibular schwannoma). While MRI remains the gold standard for diagnosing and characterizing acoustic neuromas, DTI provides additional functional insights by mapping the white matter tracts, which can include cranial nerves.

Title: Re: Use of Diffusion Tensor Imaging pre surgery for AN
Post by: soceciw on January 09, 2025, 03:26:17 am

DTI can help surgeons visualize the facial nerve and other cranial nerves near the tumor by tracking the direction of water diffusion in the nerve fibers. This is critical for preserving facial nerve function during tumor resection. The technique allows for three-dimensional reconstruction of nerve pathways, which can highlight the relationship between the tumor and adjacent structures like the trigeminal and cochlear nerves.

Title: Re: Use of Diffusion Tensor Imaging pre surgery for AN
Post by: droopysneaky on February 25, 2025, 12:45:56 am

While DTI isn't as commonly used in clinical practice as conventional MRI, it is gaining recognition in neurosurgical settings. It's worth noting that while DTI can offer significant benefits in terms of nerve localization, it may not entirely replace MRI for tumor characterization, so the combination of both technologies might provide the most comprehensive approach to managing acoustic neuromas.