Repeatability and reproducibility of human brain morphometry using three-dimensional magnetic resonance...

Area of Science:

• Neuroimaging
• Quantitative MRI
• Brain Anatomy

Background:

• Conventional T1-weighted imaging is standard for brain analysis.
• Three-dimensional Magnetic Resonance Fingerprinting (3D MRF) allows volumetric quantification of T1 and T2 relaxation values.
• 3D MRF has the potential to replace conventional structural imaging.

Purpose of the Study:

• To evaluate the repeatability and reproducibility of 3D MRF for brain cortical thickness and subcortical volumetric analysis.
• To compare 3D MRF measurements with conventional 3D T1-weighted images in healthy volunteers.
• To establish 3D MRF as a reliable tool for neuroimaging analysis.

Main Methods:

• Scan-rescan tests were performed for both 3D MRF and conventional 3D fast spoiled gradient recalled echo (FSPGR).
• Cortical thickness and subcortical volumes were measured using automatic brain segmentation software.
• Repeatability and reproducibility were assessed using within-subject coefficient of variation (wCV) and intraclass correlation coefficient (ICC).

Main Results:

• Cortical thickness measurements showed similar wCV and ICC for both 3D MRF and FSPGR.
• The percent relative difference in cortical thickness between 3D MRF and FSPGR was 8.0% ± 3.2%.
• Subcortical volume measurements demonstrated similar wCV and ICC between 3D MRF and FSPGR, with a 7.1% ± 3.6% relative difference.

Conclusions:

• 3D MRF provides highly repeatable and reproducible measurements of human brain cortical thickness and subcortical volumes.
• 3D MRF results are consistent with conventional 3D T1-weighted imaging, though a slight bias exists.
• Careful consideration is needed when combining data from 3D MRF and conventional acquisitions due to observed biases.