Improved segmentation of deep brain grey matter structures using magnetization transfer (MT) parameter maps.
Basal ganglia and brain stem nuclei are involved in the pathophysiology of various neurological and neuropsychiatric disorders. Currently available structural T1-weighted (T1w) magnetic resonance images do not provide sufficient contrast for reliable automated segmentation of various subcortical grey matter structures. We use a novel, semi-quantitative magnetization transfer (MT) imaging protocol that overcomes limitations in T1w images, which are mainly due to their sensitivity to the high iron content in subcortical grey matter. We demonstrate improved automated segmentation of putamen, pallidum, pulvinar and substantia nigra using MT images. A comparison with segmentation of high-quality T1w images was performed in 49 healthy subjects. Our results show that MT maps are highly suitable for automated segmentation, and so for multi-subject morphometric studies with a focus on subcortical structures.
MR-Research in Neurology and Psychiatry, University Medical Center, Göttingen, Germany.
Gunther
G
Helms
Bogdan
B
Draganski
Richard
R
Frackowiak
John
J
Ashburner
Nikolaus
N
Weiskopf
D000293:Adolescent; D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D000369:Aged, 80 and over; D001921:Brain / Q000033:anatomy & histology*; D001330:Electronic Data Processing; D005260:Female; D005917:Globus Pallidus / Q000033:anatomy & histology; D006801:Humans; D008279:Magnetic Resonance Imaging / Q000379:methods*; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D009413:Nerve Fibers, Myelinated; D011336:Probability; D011699:Putamen / Q000033:anatomy & histology; D013378:Substantia Nigra / Q000033:anatomy & histology; D013788:Thalamus / Q000033:anatomy & histology; D055815:Young Adult