Diffusion Tensor Imaging for Diagnosing Mild TBI: Pitfalls Offset Promises

Because routine neuroimaging techniques do not usually reveal abnormalities after mild traumatic brain injury (mTBI), researchers have tried to find more-sensitive methods. Diffusion tensor imaging (DTI) detects abnormalities in the white-matter tracts, which are often abnormal in TBI. However, DTI studies have shown inconsistencies in methods and results. Two recent reports inform us about the current state of the evidence for DTI in mTBI.

In Aoki and colleagues' meta-analysis, 13 studies met inclusion criteria. Mild TBI was associated with significant reductions in fractional anisotropy (FA) and increases in molecular diffusion in posterior portions of the corpus callosum (CC), specifically the splenium.

Lipton and colleagues performed DTI …