How do spatial and angular resolution affect brain connectivity maps from diffusion MRI?

Liang Zhan, Daniel Franc, Vishal Patel, Neda Jahanshad, Yan Jin, Bryon A. Mueller, Matt A. Bernstein, Bret J. Borowski, Clifford R. Jack, Arthur W. Toga, Kelvin O. Lim, Paul M. Thompson

Research output: Chapter in Book/Report/Conference proceedingConference contribution

20 Scopus citations

Abstract

Diffusion tensor imaging (DTI) is sensitive to the directionally- constrained flow of water, which diffuses preferentially along axons. Tractography programs may be used to infer matrices of connectivity (anatomical networks) between pairs of brain regions. Little is known about how these computed connectivity measures depend on the scans' spatial and angular resolutions. To determine this, we scanned 8 young adults with DTI at 2.5 and 3mm resolutions, and an additional subject at 4 resolutions between 2-4 mm. We computed 70×70 connectivity matrices, using whole-brain tractography to measure fiber density between all pairs of 70 cortical and subcortical regions. Spatial and angular resolution affected the computed connectivity for narrower tracts (internal capsule and cerebellum), but also for the corticospinal tract. Data resolution affected the apparent role of some key structures in cortical anatomic networks. Care is needed when comparing network data across studies, and interpreting apparent disagreements among findings.

Original languageEnglish (US)
Title of host publication2012 9th IEEE International Symposium on Biomedical Imaging
Subtitle of host publicationFrom Nano to Macro, ISBI 2012 - Proceedings
Pages1-4
Number of pages4
DOIs
StatePublished - 2012
Event2012 9th IEEE International Symposium on Biomedical Imaging: From Nano to Macro, ISBI 2012 - Barcelona, Spain
Duration: May 2 2012May 5 2012

Publication series

NameProceedings - International Symposium on Biomedical Imaging
ISSN (Print)1945-7928
ISSN (Electronic)1945-8452

Other

Other2012 9th IEEE International Symposium on Biomedical Imaging: From Nano to Macro, ISBI 2012
Country/TerritorySpain
CityBarcelona
Period5/2/125/5/12

Keywords

  • Connectivity
  • MRI
  • brain
  • diffusion imaging
  • networks
  • tractography

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