Multi-Channel 4D Parametrized Atlas of Macro- and Microstructural Neonatal Brain Development

Area of Science:

• Neuroimaging
• Developmental Neuroscience
• Biomedical Engineering

Background:

• Structural and diffusion MRI offer complementary insights into early brain maturation.
• Current developmental brain models lack integrated analysis of both MRI types in a common space.
• A need exists for tools facilitating combined structural and diffusion MRI analysis within a unified anatomical framework.

Purpose of the Study:

• To develop a multi-channel (MC) continuous spatio-temporal atlas for brain development.
• To integrate multiple MRI-derived parameters within a single anatomical space for ages 37-44 weeks postmenstrual age.
• To enable quantitative, region-specific studies of brain maturation.

Main Methods:

• Co-alignment of structural (T2-weighted) and diffusion MRI from 170 healthy term infants using MC registration.
• Application of the Gompertz model to time-series signals and spatial transformations.
• Generation of 14 spatio-temporal microstructural indices and two parcellation maps.

Main Results:

• A novel multi-channel atlas integrating structural and diffusion MRI parameters was created.
• The atlas provides 14 spatio-temporal microstructural indices and parcellation maps for white matter tracts and neonatal transient structures.
• Demonstrated applicability through comparative analysis of term and preterm infants.

Conclusions:

• The developed atlas facilitates combined analysis of structural and diffusion MRI in a shared reference space.
• This methodology supports quantitative, region-specific investigations of brain development and maturation.
• The atlas and associated software will advance research in neonatal brain development.