Improved Characterization of White Matter Fascicles using Cube and Sphere Diffusion MRI
A novel diffusion MRI acquisition scheme that can better characterize each white matter fascicle
Background
The characterization of the white matter fascicles in the brain poses a significant challenge. Models that seek to represent the contribution from multiple fascicles have been reported to be numerically challenging and unstable. Another drawback of current techniques is that they do not consider each fascicle independently. Consequently, they do not enable characterization of each fascicle, and do not enable comparison of the fascicle characteristics between individuals.
Simon Warfield, PhD, director of the Computational Radiology Laboratory, and his group at Boston Children’s Hospital have developed a novel diffusion MRI acquisition scheme that can better characterize each white matter fascicle. More specifically, the model enables the determination of the orientation of the white matter fascicles, measures of their local diffusion properties, and the characterization of an unrestricted water component that is important in assessing edema and inflammation. The technique, called CUSP, combines cubical and spherical q-space sampling and when paired with a novel estimation algorithm, it enables rapid and effective investigation of white matter fascicles in both normal development and in disease and injury.
When combined with a novel statistical distribution model developed by Dr. Warfield the CUSP acquisition scheme can provide very high resolution of white matter tissue.
Advantages
- Provides a higher resolution image of white matter tissue by increasing the signal-to-noise ratio
- Does not increase the echo time
- Offers a two-fold reduction in imaging time
Applications
- Diagnostic imaging to track therapeutic outcomes in oncology.
- Diagnostic imaging for early detection and diagnosis of white matter disorders such as stroke, multiple sclerosis, dementia, and cerebral palsy.
Publications:
Scherrer B, Warfield SK. Parametric representation of multiple white matter fascicles from cub and sphere diffusion MRI. PLoS One. 2012;7(11):e48232.
