Non-uniform gradient prescription for precise angular measurements using DTI

Med Image Comput Comput Assist Interv. 2008;11(Pt 1):866-73. doi: 10.1007/978-3-540-85988-8_103.

Abstract

Diffusion Tensor Imaging (DTI) calculates a tensor for each voxel, representing the mean diffusive characteristics in volume-averaged tissue. Gradients that phase-encode spins according to the amount of their diffusion are usually applied uniformly over a sphere during a DTI procedure for minimal bias of tensor information. If prior knowledge of diffusion direction exists, the angular precision for determining the principle eigenvector of cylindrically-symmetric ("prolate") tensors can be improved by specifying gradients non-uniformly. Improvements in precision of 30-40% can be achieved using a restricted band of zenith angle values for gradient directions. Sensitivity to the a priori angular range of the principle eigenvector can be adjusted with the width of the band. Simulations and phantom data are in agreement; a preliminary validation is presented.

MeSH terms

  • Algorithms*
  • Artificial Intelligence*
  • Brain / anatomy & histology*
  • Diffusion Magnetic Resonance Imaging / instrumentation
  • Diffusion Magnetic Resonance Imaging / methods*
  • Image Enhancement / methods*
  • Image Interpretation, Computer-Assisted / methods*
  • Pattern Recognition, Automated / methods*
  • Phantoms, Imaging
  • Reproducibility of Results
  • Sensitivity and Specificity