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Co-analysis of Brain Structure and Function using fMRI and Diffusion-weighted Imaging
Published on: November 8, 2012
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Connectome imaging for mapping human brain pathways
1Laboratory of Neuro Imaging (LONI), USC Stevens Neuroimaging and Informatics Institute, Keck School of Medicine, University of Southern California, Los Angeles, CA, USA.
Molecular Psychiatry
|May 3, 2017
Summary
Advanced diffusion MRI techniques enable high-resolution mapping of human brain pathways. This review covers diffusion MRI developments, fiber orientation distribution models, and tractography for connectome studies.
Area of Science:
- Neuroimaging
- Neuroscience
- Medical Physics
Background:
- Diffusion magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) is rapidly advancing, offering unprecedented resolution for mapping human brain pathways in vivo.
- The Human Connectome Project utilizes state-of-the-art multi-shell acquisition schemes, presenting both technical advances and challenges.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review current developments in diffusion MRI for reconstructing anatomical pathways in connectome studies.
- To discuss microstructural characterization from tensor to fiber orientation distribution (FOD) models.
- To highlight novel methods for fiber bundle reconstruction and connectivity analysis using FOD-based tractography.
Main Methods:
- Review of diffusion MRI techniques, including multi-shell acquisition.
- Discussion of microstructural modeling: tensor models and fiber orientation distribution (FOD) models.
- Application of FOD-based tractography for fiber bundle reconstruction and graph-based connectivity analysis.
Main Results:
- Fiber orientation distribution (FOD) models can resolve crossing fibers within each image voxel.
- Novel methods enable successful reconstruction of challenging brain pathways, such as retinofugal and brainstem pathways.
- Demonstrated applications of connectome imaging techniques in detailed pathway mapping.
Conclusions:
- Diffusion MRI, particularly with FOD-based tractography, is a powerful tool for in vivo human connectome studies.
- Continued advancements in imaging and analysis methods promise further insights into brain connectivity.
- Future directions involve integrating connectome imaging with other brain imaging research areas.
