tractography
Pronunciation: trak-TOG-rah-fee
Neuroimaging technique that visualizes white matter fiber pathways in the living brain.
Full Definition
Tractography uses diffusion tensor imaging (DTI) or diffusion spectrum imaging to reconstruct and visualize white matter fiber tracts in vivo. This technique maps connections between brain regions and assesses structural connectivity, proving invaluable for surgical planning, particularly in tumor and epilepsy cases. Tractography helps preserve critical pathways during neurosurgery and advances understanding of neurological disorders involving white matter. Clinical applications include preoperative mapping of language and motor pathways to minimize surgical morbidity.
Usage
Usage note: Refers to the reconstruction technique, not the underlying diffusion imaging data.
In Context
- "Preoperative tractography identified the pyramidal tract adjacent to the tumor margin." — Neurosurgical case report
- "Tractography revealed reduced fractional anisotropy in the corpus callosum of MS patients." — Neuroimaging research study