Boklye Kim1, T. L. Chenevert1,
Ashok Srinivasan1, B. Sabb1, Rodica Pop-Busui1
1University of
Diffusion
tensor imaging (DTI) is a promising clinical modality for early detection of
nerve damage. The aim of this study is to develop an optimal DTI protocol for
quantitative analysis of the sural nerves in the lower legs and ankles, which
has been problematic due to its small size and limited SNR. While strongly
facilitated along the elongated fiber in healthy subjects, the diffusion of
tissue water loses directionality in diabetic patients due to the loss of
fiber density. We present the anatomical localization and nerve fractional
anisotropy measurements of the sural nerve to determine the integrity of
nerve myelination.