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A Standardized Pipeline for Examining Human Cerebellar Grey Matter Morphometry using Structural Magnetic Resonance Imaging
Published on: February 4, 2022
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A Standardized Pipeline for Examining Human Cerebellar Grey Matter Morphometry using Structural Magnetic Resonance
Rebecca Kerestes1, Shuo Han2, Srinivas Balachander3
1Department of Neuroscience, Central Clinical School, Monash University; rebecca.kerestes@monash.edu.
Journal of Visualized Experiments : Jove
|February 21, 2022
Summary
This study introduces a new automated pipeline for analyzing cerebellum structure, crucial for understanding cognitive functions and neurological diseases like Friedreich ataxia. The method enhances reliability and reproducibility in neuroimaging research.
Area of Science:
- Neuroscience
- Neuroimaging
- Neurology
Background:
- The cerebellum's role extends beyond motor control to cognitive and affective functions.
- Understanding cerebellar neuroanatomy is vital for studying neurological diseases.
- Existing methods require refinement for detailed analysis of cerebellar subunits.
Purpose of the Study:
- To present a standardized, automated pipeline for cerebellum grey matter morphometry.
- To enable precise volumetric quantification using advanced parcellation and registration techniques.
- To provide a tool for research in healthy individuals and those with neurological conditions.
Main Methods:
- Developed a pipeline combining Automatic Cerebellum Anatomical Parcellation using U-Net Locally Constrained Optimization (ACAPULCO) and Spatially Unbiased Infra-tentorial Template (SUIT).
- The pipeline is fully automated, requiring minimal manual intervention for quality control.
- Tested the pipeline on a cohort of individuals with Friedreich ataxia (FRDA).
Main Results:
- Demonstrated a standardized and automated approach for cerebellum morphometry.
- Successfully applied the pipeline to quantify cerebellar structural changes in FRDA.
- Provided recommendations for group-level statistical analyses.
Conclusions:
- The developed pipeline offers a reliable and reproducible method for characterizing cerebellar structural changes.
- This tool has broad applicability for various neurological diseases.
- Facilitates advanced research into the cerebellum's role in cognition and disease.
