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High-resolution In Vivo Manual Segmentation Protocol for Human Hippocampal Subfields Using 3T Magnetic Resonance Imaging
Published on: November 10, 2015
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Clear and Consistent Imaging of Hippocampal Internal Architecture With High Resolution Multiple Image Co-registration
Lawrence Ver Hoef1,2,3, Hrishikesh Deshpande4, Joel Cure4
1Department of Neurology, The University of Alabama at Birmingham, Birmingham, AL, United States.
Frontiers in Neuroscience
|March 1, 2021
Summary
High Resolution Multiple Image Co-registration and Averaging (HR-MICRA) improves visualization of hippocampal internal architecture (HIA) clarity. This novel MRI technique enhances HIA detail, aiding future hippocampal structure research.
Area of Science:
- Neuroimaging
- Radiology
- Anatomy
Background:
- Hippocampal internal architecture (HIA) visualization at 3T MRI is limited by slice thickness and volume averaging.
- Conventional MRI sequences struggle to resolve HIA's thin layers (<1 mm), leading to blurred subfield borders in up to 61% of slices.
Purpose of the Study:
- To introduce and validate a novel MRI approach, High Resolution Multiple Image Co-registration and Averaging (HR-MICRA), for consistently high HIA clarity.
- To assess the efficacy of HR-MICRA in improving the visualization of hippocampal subfields.
Main Methods:
- Employed a variable flip angle turbo spin echo sequence for repeated, high-resolution, whole-brain T2w volume acquisition.
- Utilized post-processing techniques including co-registration for motion correction and averaging to enhance signal-to-noise ratio (SNR).
- Compared averages of 4, 9, and 16 scans in 20 healthy controls using a standardized HIA clarity rating scale.
Main Results:
- HR-MICRA achieved 90% good or excellent HIA clarity in the hippocampus body with 16 averaged scans.
- Compared to 4x averaging, 9x and 16x HR-MICRA significantly increased the likelihood of high HIA ratings (2.6x and 3.2x, respectively; p < 0.001).
- Thin slices enabled multi-planar reformatting, clearly visualizing hippocampal dentation in the sagittal plane.
Conclusions:
- HR-MICRA provides a flexible and effective method for clear and consistent visualization of HIA across MRI platforms.
- This technique holds significant potential for advancing hippocampal structure research and improving segmentation accuracy.
