Different Neuroimaging Measurement Techniques for the Cerebellum in Alzheimer's Disease: VolBrain-Horos Comparison
Zumrut Dogan1, Muhammed Emre Yuzer1, Busra Zencirci1
1Department of Anatomy, Faculty of Medicine, Adiyaman University, Adiyaman, Turkey.
Introduction:
The use of magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), which has greater soft tissue contrast than other imaging modalities, has increased over the last 30 years. Studies have shown that MRI is frequently used for diagnosing neurodegenerative diseases. The incidence of Alzheimer's disease, a neurodegenerative condition, is increasing due to population aging and has a detrimental impact on quality of life. Volumetric changes in many important anatomical structures have been detected in magnetic resonance (MR) images of Alzheimer's disease patients. Various software programs, such as OsiriX, Horos, and VolBrain, are currently used to perform area and volume measurements in various brain structures. In this study, we compared the VolBrain and Horos applications for volume measurements of the cerebellum, whose relationship with Alzheimer's disease is not yet fully understood. We aimed to assess the consistency between the applications using various statistical methods and to highlight their respective advantages and disadvantages for researchers.
Methods:
This was a retrospective study. The patient group comprised 50 individuals with Alzheimer's disease aged 30-65 years. T1 MR images of 50 Alzheimer's disease patients were first acquired via the VolBrain program and then via the Horos program.
Results:
The applications used yielded almost identical measurement results, and no significant differences were observed.
Discussion:
Both applications have been found to produce consistent results. This indicates that the methods are reliable and that either application can be effectively used for the intended purpose.
Conclusion:
In conclusion, the choice between the two applications depends largely on the user's data requirements, software preferences, and hardware capabilities. These factors play a decisive role in the selection process.
Insights
VolBrain and Horos software provide consistent cerebellar volume measurements for Alzheimer's disease research. Both applications are reliable tools for analyzing neuroimaging data in patients.
Area of Science:
- Neuroimaging
- Medical Informatics
- Alzheimer's Disease Research
Background:
- Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) offers superior soft tissue contrast, driving its increased use in neurodegenerative disease diagnosis.
- Alzheimer's disease (AD) incidence is rising, impacting quality of life, with volumetric changes observed in AD patient MR images.
- Software like VolBrain and Horos are used for brain structure measurements, yet their comparative reliability for AD research is unclear.
Purpose of the Study:
- To compare VolBrain and Horos applications for cerebellar volume measurements in Alzheimer's disease patients.
- To assess the consistency between VolBrain and Horos using statistical methods.
- To identify the advantages and disadvantages of each application for researchers.
Main Methods:
- Retrospective study involving 50 Alzheimer's disease patients (aged 30-65).
- Acquisition of T1 MRI images for all patients using both VolBrain and Horos software.
- Statistical analysis to compare volume measurements between the two applications.
Main Results:
- VolBrain and Horos yielded nearly identical cerebellar volume measurements.
- No statistically significant differences were found between the measurement results of the two applications.
Conclusions:
- Both VolBrain and Horos demonstrate reliable and consistent results for cerebellar volume analysis.
- The choice between VolBrain and Horos depends on user-specific data needs, software, and hardware capabilities.
- Either application can be effectively utilized for Alzheimer's disease neuroimaging research.
