Magnetic resonance diffusion tensor imaging(DTI) is the new technique developed in recent years

which quantitatively reflects the integrity of white matter fiber tracts by the diffusion of water molecules in human brain. It is mainly used to evaluate the integrity of white matter especially the white matter fiber tracts which influenced by neurologic diseases. So far

DTI is the unique examination which can quantitatively reflect the integrity of white matter fiber tracts by the diffusion of water molecules in human brain without any intrusion. This technique can analyze the diffusion characteristic of the affected tissue quantitatively;exhibit the relationship between the intracerebral affections and the white matter fiber tracts directly. Therefore

it provides more information for diagnosis and prognosis of the diseases. This article reviews the principle of DTI and summarizes the current researches of its common clinical application in central nervous system diseases including stroke

brain tumor

neurodegenerative disorders

demyelinative disease

etc.