Related Experiment Video
Updated: Apr 30, 2026
Meta-analysis of Voxel-Based Neuroimaging Studies using Seed-based d Mapping with Permutation of Subject Images SDM-PSI
Published on: November 27, 2019
Do manual and voxel-based morphometry measure the same? A proof of concept study.
Niels K Focke1, Sarah Trost2, Walter Paulus3
1Department of Neurology/Epileptology and Hertie Institute of Clinical Brain Research, University Medical Center, Eberhard Karls University , Tuebingen , Germany ; Department of Clinical Neurophysiology, University Medical Center, Georg August University , Goettingen , Germany.
Voxel-based morphometry (VBM) and manual volumetry accurately measure subcortical gray matter volumes. This study validates VBM as a reliable neuroimaging analysis technique for brain structure research.
Area of Science:
- Neuroimaging
- Brain Anatomy
Background:
- Voxel-based morphometry (VBM) is widely used for whole-brain volumetric analysis.
- Concerns exist regarding VBM's accuracy due to spatial registration imperfections.
Purpose of the Study:
- To compare VBM results with manual volumetry, the gold standard, for subcortical gray matter structures.
- To validate VBM's efficacy in detecting volumetric changes in specific brain regions.
Main Methods:
- Manual regions-of-interest (ROIs) were delineated for bilateral hippocampus, amygdala, nucleus accumbens, thalamus, putamen, pallidum, and caudate nucleus.
- Whole-brain VBM correlation analysis was performed using Statistical Parametric Mapping (SPM8).
- High-dimensional normalization (DARTEL toolbox) was employed for spatial registration.
Main Results:
- VBM successfully identified volumetric effects in the hippocampus, amygdala, putamen, and caudate nucleus.
- SPM analysis using DARTEL demonstrated accurate localization of these subcortical structures.
- The findings indicate strong agreement between VBM and manual volumetry for these regions.
Conclusions:
- Voxel-based morphometry (VBM) and manual volumetry yield comparable results for subcortical gray matter volumes.
- The study validates VBM, particularly with advanced normalization techniques, as a reliable method for neuroimaging research.
- This supports the continued use of VBM for studying brain structure variations.
