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Magnetic Resonance Materials in Physics, Biology and Medicine

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01-06-2020 | Magnetic Resonance Imaging | Research Article

Diffusion tensor imaging of the human thigh: consideration of DTI-based fiber tracking stop criteria

Authors: Johannes Forsting, Robert Rehmann, Martijn Froeling, Matthias Vorgerd, Martin Tegenthoff, Lara Schlaffke

Published in: Magnetic Resonance Materials in Physics, Biology and Medicine | Issue 3/2020

Abstract

Objectives

To consider the tract-based analysis of DTI parameters in human muscle by assessing different fiber tracking stop criteria settings on diffusion parameters.

Materials and methods

30 healthy volunteers underwent a 3 T MRI. Diffusion-weighted images were acquired to perform DTI and fiber tracking analysis for six thigh muscles. Whole thigh muscles were evaluated by fiber tractography using different fiber tracking stop parameters [FA (0.01–0.15) to (0.4–0.99); angle 10°–30°, step size 0.75 mm, 1.5 mm, 3 mm]. Diffusion and tractography-derived parameters per stop criterion were compared using a repeated measure ANOVA including Bonferroni-corrected post hoc tests.

Results

We found significant differences in all examined diffusion parameters between different stop criteria (main effect p < 0.001). We showed different influence of tracking parameters on diffusion parameters in examined muscles (main effect p ≤ 0.001).

Conclusions

Statistically significant differences in fiber tracking results using different stop criteria were shown. Fiber tracking stop criteria do have an important influence on study results and should be considered in the development of study protocols and comparison of studies. We recommend a FA minimum of 0.10 and a step size lower than voxel size, e.g., a half with a constant ratio between step size and angle of 10°/mm.

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Title: Diffusion tensor imaging of the human thigh: consideration of DTI-based fiber tracking stop criteria
Authors: Johannes Forsting
Robert Rehmann
Martijn Froeling
Matthias Vorgerd
Martin Tegenthoff
Lara Schlaffke
Publication date: 01-06-2020
Publisher: Springer International Publishing
Keywords: Magnetic Resonance Imaging
Magnetic Resonance Imaging
Published in: Magnetic Resonance Materials in Physics, Biology and Medicine / Issue 3/2020
Print ISSN: 0968-5243
Electronic ISSN: 1352-8661
DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s10334-019-00791-x

Keynote webinar | Spotlight on sleep in brain health

Springer Medicine

Diffusion tensor imaging of the human thigh: consideration of DTI-based fiber tracking stop criteria

Abstract

Objectives

Materials and methods

Results

Conclusions

Keynote webinar | Spotlight on sleep in brain health

Springer Medicine

Abstract

Objectives

Materials and methods

Results

Conclusions

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