Locus Coeruleus magnetic resonance imaging: a comparison between native-space and template-space approach

Area of Science:

• Neuroimaging
• Neuroanatomy
• Biomarker Research

Background:

• The Locus Coeruleus (LC) is a key brain nucleus influencing cognition and implicated in neurodegenerative diseases.
• Locus Coeruleus-Magnetic Resonance Imaging (LC-MRI) enables in vivo visualization and assessment of LC integrity in humans.
• Variations in LC-MRI analysis methods and the need for reliability assessment are current research challenges.

Purpose of the Study:

• To compare native space and template space LC-MRI analysis in healthy elderly subjects.
• To evaluate the reproducibility and reliability of different LC-MRI analysis approaches.
• To assess the potential of a template space approach for standardized LC-MRI analysis.

Main Methods:

• Analysis of LC-MRI data from neurologically healthy, cognitively intact elderly individuals.
• Comparison of post-acquisition analysis performed in native MRI space versus an ad hoc-built MRI template space.
• Evaluation of inter-method agreement, spatial resolution, operator-dependency, and topographical analysis.

Main Results:

• Good inter-method agreement was found, particularly for the LC Contrast Ratio.
• The template space approach demonstrated superior spatial resolution and reduced operator dependency.
• LC morphological data from the ad hoc template aligned with recent publications and a meta-analysis mask.

Conclusions:

• Template space LC-MRI analysis provides a reliable and potentially standardized method for assessing LC integrity.
• This approach facilitates topographical analysis and may serve as a valuable tool for future clinic-anatomical correlations.
• Standardized LC-MRI analysis holds promise for advancing biomarker research in aging and neurodegenerative disorders.