Between- and within-site variability of fMRI localizations
Jakob Rath1, Moritz Wurnig1, Florian Fischmeister1
1Department of Neurology and MR Center of Excellence, Medical University of Vienna, Austria.
Human Brain Mapping
|March 10, 2016
Summary
The location of brain activity detected by functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI) varies significantly between different fMRI sites. Site-specific factors, not brain pathology, are the primary cause of this variability.
Area of Science:
- Neuroimaging
- Brain Mapping
- Functional Magnetic Resonance Imaging (fMRI)
Background:
- Functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI) is crucial for localizing brain activity.
- Understanding the spatial variability of fMRI localizations across different sites is essential for reliable clinical applications.
Purpose of the Study:
- To quantify the spatial variability of fMRI sensorimotor localizations across different fMRI sites.
- To determine the influence of fMRI site versus other factors on localization reliability.
Main Methods:
- Investigated the same subjects at multiple fMRI sites.
- Analyzed sensorimotor task fMRI data.
- Utilized intraclass correlation coefficient analysis with data quality measures.
Main Results:
- Median between-site fMRI localization variability was approximately 6 mm.
- Within-site variability was considerably lower, around 3 mm.
- fMRI site significantly influenced localization variability, more so than task type or experimental standardization.
Conclusions:
- The fMRI site is a significant confound for brain activity localization.
- Experienced clinical fMRI experts can achieve reliable localizations despite site variability.
- Brain pathology does not appear to be a major factor affecting fMRI localization reliability in experienced hands.
