Advanced Imaging Techniques

This chapter briefly reviews the basic concepts and clinical applications of advanced techniques such as CT perfusion, MR perfusion, task-based functional MRI, diffusion tensor imaging and tractography, MR spectroscopy, and nuclear scintigraphy used in diagnostic neuroimaging. Basic principles, as well as artifacts, pitfalls, and limitations of each technique, are outlined, and the clinical applications of these techniques across a variety of conditions such as stroke, cerebrovascular reserve, epilepsy, brain tumors, and neurodegenerative diseases are discussed. The specific use of techniques such as task-based functional MRI and diffusion tensor imaging and tractography for intraoperative planning is also highlighted. The information presented in this chapter is aimed to provide the reader with a fundamental understanding of the types of physiologic and metabolic information that can be acquired with these tools and demonstrate how this information is currently used in the clinical care of patients.