Human brain MRI data of intrathecally injected tracer evolution over 72 hours for data-integrated simulations

Area of Science:

• Neuroimaging
• Biomedical Engineering
• Pharmacokinetics

Background:

• Understanding tracer distribution in the brain is crucial for drug delivery and disease research.
• Cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) dynamics play a significant role in brain homeostasis and waste clearance.

Purpose of the Study:

• To present the Gonzo dataset, a comprehensive collection of brain MRI data with processed derivatives.
• To facilitate research on tracer transport mechanisms within the brain and cerebrospinal fluid.

Main Methods:

• Acquisition of high-resolution brain MRI scans before and up to 72 hours post-intrathecal gadobutrol injection.
• Generation of derivative datasets including T1 maps, tracer concentration maps, diffusion tensor maps, and brain geometry meshes.
• Image segmentation for brain region identification and regional statistical analysis of tracer concentration.

Main Results:

• Detailed spatiotemporal evolution of the contrast agent gadobutrol within the CSF and brain structures.
• Provision of quantitative data (T1 maps, concentration maps) for numerical simulations.
• Segmentation masks enabling region-specific analysis of tracer distribution.

Conclusions:

• The Gonzo dataset provides a unique resource for studying tracer transport in the brain.
• Enables advancements in neuroimaging analysis methods and brain fluid transport simulations.
• Supports interdisciplinary research in neuroscience, medical imaging, and computational modeling.