Crossing fibres in tract-based spatial statistics.
Voxelwise analysis of white matter properties typically relies on scalar measurements derived, for example, from a tensor model fit to diffusion MRI data. These are spatially matched across subjects prior to statistical modelling. In this paper, we show why and how this can be improved through the use of directionally dependent measurements. In the case where different orientations relate to different fibre populations (e.g., in the presence of crossing fibres), distinguishing and matching those populations of fibres across subjects are important prior to any statistical modelling. It allows one to compare measurements that are related to the same fibres across subjects. We show how this framework applies to the parameters of a crossing fibre model and discuss its implications for voxelwise analysis of the white matter.
Jbabdi
Saad
S
Oxford Centre for Functional Magnetic Resonance Imaging of the Brain, John Radcliffe Hospital, University of Oxford, Oxford, UK. saad@fmrib.ox.ac.uk
Behrens
Timothy E J
TE
Smith
Stephen M
SM
D000328:Adult; D001921:Brain / Q000166:cytology*; D038524:Diffusion Magnetic Resonance Imaging; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D007091:Image Processing, Computer-Assisted; D008297:Male; D008959:Models, Neurological; D009412:Nerve Fibers / Q000502:physiology*; D012044:Regression Analysis; D012727:Sex Characteristics; D055815:Young Adult