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Connectivity-based segmentation of the brainstem by probabilistic tractography
Adrienn Máté1, Dávid Kis1, Andrea Czigner2
1Department of Neurosurgery, Albert Szent-Györgyi Clinical Center, University of Szeged, 6 Semmelweis Street, H-6725 Szeged, Hungary.
Brain Research
|March 21, 2018
Summary
This study introduces a novel connectivity-based method for segmenting the brainstem into four distinct subregions. This technique enhances the investigation of brain connectivity, particularly in disease states affecting normal anatomy.
Area of Science:
- Neuroimaging
- Neuroanatomy
Background:
- Diffusion magnetic resonance imaging (dMRI) is crucial for in vivo brain connectivity studies.
- Accurate brainstem segmentation is vital for understanding its role in neurological disorders.
Observation:
- A new method segments the brainstem into four subregions (frontopontine, motor, sensory, reticular) using supratentorial connections.
- This approach bypasses the need for internal anatomical landmarks within the brainstem.
Findings:
- Connectivity-based brainstem segmentation demonstrated feasibility in 20 healthy subjects.
- Multifiber probabilistic tractography revealed distinct connectivity maps for each subregion.
- Results showed good anatomical correspondence with atlases and histological data, and high intersubject reproducibility.
Implications:
- This method offers a potential tool for studying brainstem connectivity in diseases that alter anatomy, such as traumatic brain injury or tumors.
- Quantitative diffusion parameters may provide insights into brainstem pathway involvement in various neuropathologies.
- Clinical applicability is highlighted through case studies of severe traumatic brain injury.
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