A survey of current trends in diffusion MRI for structural brain connectivity

Area of Science:

• Neuroimaging
• Biophysics
• Computational Neuroscience

Background:

• Diffusion magnetic resonance imaging (dMRI) is the sole non-invasive in vivo method for probing brain axonal architecture.
• dMRI technology has advanced significantly over the last two decades, enabling detailed investigation of brain tissue.
• Understanding brain microstructure and connectivity is crucial for neuroscience research and clinical applications.

Purpose of the Study:

• To review the current state-of-the-art in diffusion magnetic resonance imaging (dMRI).
• To present emerging trends in modeling brain tissue microstructure and the human connectome using dMRI.
• To discuss established local microstructure models, biomarkers, and tractography techniques.

Main Methods:

• Review of existing literature on dMRI models and techniques.
• Analysis of trends in computational modeling of brain microstructure.
• Discussion of tractography methods for mapping brain connectivity.

Main Results:

• dMRI provides unparalleled in vivo access to axonal architecture.
• Numerous sophisticated models exist to characterize tissue integrity, microstructure, and connectivity.
• Tractography techniques are advancing for understanding brain connectivity architecture.

Conclusions:

• dMRI is a pivotal tool for in vivo neuroscience research.
• Advanced modeling and tractography are enhancing our understanding of the brain's microstructural and macrostructural organization.
• Continued development in dMRI promises deeper insights into brain function and pathology.