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RS-FetMRI: a MATLAB-SPM Based Tool for Pre-processing Fetal Resting-State fMRI Data
Nicolò Pecco1, Matteo Canini2, Kelsey H H Mosser2
1Neuroradiology Unit and CERMAC, IRCCS Ospedale San Raffaele, Milan, Italy. nicopecco5@gmail.com.
Neuroinformatics
|July 14, 2022
Summary
A new preprocessing pipeline, RS-FetMRI, enhances fetal resting-state functional MRI (rs-fMRI) analysis by improving motion correction and spatial normalization. This standardized approach facilitates more reliable fetal brain connectivity research.
Area of Science:
- Neuroscience
- Medical Imaging
- Developmental Biology
Background:
- Resting-state functional magnetic resonance imaging (rs-fMRI) offers insights into in utero neurodevelopment.
- Fetal brain analysis is challenged by motion artifacts and inaccurate spatial normalization.
- Lack of standardized protocols hinders reproducibility in fetal rs-fMRI studies.
Purpose of the Study:
- To implement and validate a standardized fetal rs-fMRI preprocessing pipeline (RS-FetMRI).
- To address motion effects and improve spatial normalization accuracy in fetal brain imaging.
- To facilitate broader adoption and cross-validation of fetal brain connectivity research.
Main Methods:
- Developed the RS-FetMRI pipeline as a 6-module extension for Statistical Parametric Mapping (SPM).
- Applied the pipeline to rs-fMRI data from fetuses scanned on 1.5T and 3T MRI systems.
- Utilized a 'structural-free' SPM-based spatial normalization procedure.
Main Results:
- RS-FetMRI demonstrated improved motion estimation and censoring, increasing usable data volumes.
- Achieved high spatial overlap, reproducibility, and enhanced Temporal Signal-to-Noise Ratio (TSNR).
- Functional connectivity analysis showed significant improvements post-preprocessing.
Conclusions:
- The RS-FetMRI pipeline provides a semi-automatic, user-friendly solution for fetal rs-fMRI preprocessing.
- It enhances data quality by mitigating motion artifacts and improving spatial normalization.
- This standardized approach lowers barriers for researchers, promoting reliable fetal brain connectivity studies.
