Composite hindered and restricted model of diffusion (CHARMED) MR imaging of the human brain.
High b value diffusion-weighted images sampled at high angular resolution were analyzed using a composite hindered and restricted model of diffusion (CHARMED). Measurements and simulations of diffusion in white matter using CHARMED provide an unbiased estimate of fiber orientation with consistently smaller angular uncertainty than when calculated using a DTI model or with a dual tensor model for any given signal-to-noise level. Images based on the population fraction of the restricted compartment provide a new contrast mechanism that enhances white matter like DTI. Nevertheless, it is assumed that these images might be more sensitive than DTI to white matter disorders. We also provide here an experimental design and analysis framework to implement CHARMED MRI that is feasible on human clinical scanners.
Functional Brain Imaging Unit, The Wohl Institute for Advanced Imaging, Tel Aviv Sourasky Medical Center, Tel Aviv, Israel. asafyan@zahav.net.il
Yaniv
Y
Assaf
Peter J
PJ
Basser
D000465:Algorithms; D001921:Brain / Q000166:cytology / Q000502:physiology*; D001931:Brain Mapping; D003198:Computer Simulation; D003337:Corpus Callosum / Q000502:physiology; D038524:Diffusion Magnetic Resonance Imaging / Q000379:methods*; D006801:Humans; D007090:Image Interpretation, Computer-Assisted / Q000379:methods*; D015233:Models, Statistical; D009412:Nerve Fibers / Q000502:physiology