MR Brain DTI Neuro Protocol

Scan Notes

Last updated:10/13/2023
Charge as: MR Reconstruction 3D
Scanners: If order asks for "64DTI" (or a form of this), perform on MR3 (inpatients and outpatients) or CHMR1 only (outpatients). All other routine DTI orders can be performed on any 3T machine. 
Coil: Head

64DTI NOTES:
ORDERING / CHARGING FOR A 64DTI:

- This was formerly called "Stealth DTI" but is now called "64 direction DTI" or "64DTI"
- This is usually an additional sequence requested by the physician or Radiologist.
- The 64DTI replaces the routine DTI. No need to scan both routine and 64DTI.
- If "64DTI" or "64 direction DTI" is requested specifically (or similar) in the order comments for an inpatient, this is allowed on MR3 only.
- An additional Charge "MR RECONSTRUCTION 3D" is required. 

ELIGIBLE INDICATIONS FOR 64-direction DTI:

Because the 64-direction DTI is time-intensive and may not be appropriate for all patients, only the following specific indications have been approved for the 64-direction DTI

  1. HIFU pre-surgical scans (and not post-ablation HIFU scans, unless the HIFU ablation procedure failed)
  2. sEEG epilepsy patients (and not routine surgical epilepsy patients)
  3. Awake craniotomy tumor patients
  4. DBS patients

POSITIONING:
- Position patient as straight as possible
- Padding is ok unless specified as a Stereotactic
- No padding if specified as Stereotactic

COVERAGE:
- Don't add slices on the AX 3D T1 like a stereotactic unless it is ordered as a stereotactic
- Don't remove slices
- Don't angle on either DTI or AX 3D T1

SCANNING:
- ALWAYS run an AX 3D T1 whenever DTI or any kind is ordered.
- ALWAYS include an AX 3D T1 PRE if you are running an AX 3D T1 POST
- If you are adding a DTI (and the corresponding AX 3D T1) to a brain exam, you can remove the existing Ax T1 TSE because the AX 3D T1 replaces it.
- DTI can be run pre or post contrast

SENDING IMAGES:
- Send all sequences to PACS and archive

Plane Weighting Mode Slice Gap FAT SAT FOV Notes
AXIAL 3D T1 - None 26cm DO NOT ANGLE. See notes above
AXIAL DTI - None 26cm DO NOT ANGLE. Cover the Entire Brain. No need for extra coverage like for stereotactic sequences.