Connecting and merging fibres: pathway extraction by combining probability maps

Neuroimage. 2008 Oct 15;43(1):81-9. doi: 10.1016/j.neuroimage.2008.06.023. Epub 2008 Jun 27.

Abstract

Probability mapping of connectivity is a powerful tool to determine the fibre structure of white matter in the brain. Probability maps are related to the degree of connectivity to a chosen seed area. In many applications, however, it is necessary to isolate a fibre bundle that connects two areas. A frequently suggested solution is to select curves, which pass only through two or more areas. This is very inefficient, especially for long-distance pathways and small areas. In this paper, a novel probability-based method is presented that is capable of extracting neuronal pathways defined by two seed points. A Monte Carlo simulation based tracking method, similar to the Probabilistic Index of Connectivity (PICo) approach, was extended to preserve the directional information of the main fibre bundles passing a voxel. By combining two of these extended visiting maps arising from different seed points, two independent parameters are determined for each voxel: the first quantifies the uncertainty that a voxel is connected to both seed points; the second represents the directional information and estimates the proportion of fibres running in the direction of the other seed point (connecting fibre) or face a third area (merging fibre). Both parameters are used to calculate the probability that a voxel is part of the bundle connecting both seed points. The performance and limitations of this DTI-based method are demonstrated using simulations as well as in vivo measurements.

MeSH terms

  • Algorithms*
  • Brain / anatomy & histology*
  • Computer Simulation
  • Data Interpretation, Statistical
  • Diffusion Magnetic Resonance Imaging / methods*
  • Humans
  • Image Enhancement / methods
  • Image Interpretation, Computer-Assisted / methods*
  • Imaging, Three-Dimensional / methods*
  • Models, Neurological
  • Models, Statistical
  • Nerve Fibers, Myelinated / ultrastructure*
  • Pattern Recognition, Automated / methods*
  • Reproducibility of Results
  • Sensitivity and Specificity