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Abstract #3159

Microstructure-Informed Slow Diffusion Tractography in Humans Enhances Visualisation of Fibre Pathways

Farida Grinberg1, Ivan I. Maximov1, Ezequiel Farrher1, Nadim Jon Shah1, 2

1Institute of Neuroscience and Medicine 4 - Medical Imaging Physics, Forschungszentrum Juelich, Juelich, Germany; 2Department of Neurology, Faculty of Medicine, JARA, RWTH Aachen University, Aachen, Germany

Diffusion-based tractography is restricted by an uncertainty of determination of the diffusion directionality in the regions where fibre alignment anisotropy is low or fibre configuration is complex. In this work, we exploit the higher fractional anisotropy of the slow diffusion component which refers, in frame of the established models, to the restricted axonal water fraction. We show that advanced, model-based fibre tracking allows one to enhance reliability and visualisation of various fibre tracks, especially at the borders between white and grey matter. Potential benefits are discussed also in the context of combined functional and structural connectivity studies.

Keywords

advanced allowed allows anisotropy appearance approaches assessment association asymmetry audience axons benefits body charmed check combined combining complementary complex component connecting connectivity consider constrained corpus cortical criteria crossing deconvolution deeper deficits describe deviate deviations diffusion directionality easily elucidate enabled enhanced especially establish established estimations evaluated evaluates example expected exploits exponential faculty feasibility finally fraction frame function functional gradient green human humans important improved in vivo inferior informed insights insufficiently integrity interfaces introduced investigating involved known language larger long longitudinal macroscopic materials medical medicine model models molecular mono neurology occipital orientations overview particular parts pathological pathways pattern physics potential processing propagation proposed rarely reconstruct reconstructions refers related relation reliability remains required residual resolved restricted rise routine scanner sensed several shah short significantly slices slow space spherical stability stable streamline striking structural studies subjects superior symmetric target tensor terminating termination thicker tissue tissues tracking tracks trio uncertainty understanding valuable various visual water whereas white whole