title: Fast and accurate connectivity analysis between functional regions based on DT-MRI.
abstract: Diffusion tensor and functional MRI data provide insight into function and structure of the human brain. However, connectivity analysis between functional areas is still a challenge when using traditional fiber tracking techniques. For this reason, alternative approaches incorporating the entire tensor information have emerged. Based on previous research employing pathfinding for connectivity analysis, we present a novel search grid and an improved cost function which essentially contributes to more precise paths. Additionally, implementation aspects are considered making connectivity analysis very efficient which is crucial for surgery planning. In comparison to other algorithms, the presented technique is by far faster while providing connections of comparable quality. The clinical relevance is demonstrated by reconstructed connections between motor and sensory speech areas in patients with lesions located in between.
authors.affiliation: Computer Graphics Group, University of Erlangen-Nuremberg, Germany. merhof@cs.fau.de
authors.forename: Dorit
authors.initials: D
authors.lastname: Merhof
authors.forename: Mirco
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: Richter
authors.forename: Frank
authors.initials: F
authors.lastname: Enders
authors.forename: Peter
authors.initials: P
authors.lastname: Hastreiter
authors.forename: Oliver
authors.initials: O
authors.lastname: Ganslandt
authors.forename: Michael
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: Buchfelder
authors.forename: Christopher
authors.initials: C
authors.lastname: Nimsky
authors.forename: Günther
authors.initials: G
authors.lastname: Greiner
mesh_terms: D000465:Algorithms; D001921:Brain / Q000033:anatomy & histology* / Q000502:physiology*; D001931:Brain Mapping / Q000379:methods*; D038524:Diffusion Magnetic Resonance Imaging / Q000379:methods*; D006801:Humans; D007089:Image Enhancement / Q000379:methods; D007090:Image Interpretation, Computer-Assisted / Q000379:methods*; D009434:Neural Pathways / Q000033:anatomy & histology* / Q000502:physiology*; D015203:Reproducibility of Results; D012680:Sensitivity and Specificity