scholarly journals Interactive Diffusion Tensor Tractography Visualization for Neurosurgical Planning

Neurosurgery ◽  
2011 ◽  
Vol 68 (2) ◽  
pp. 496-505 ◽  
Author(s):  
Alexandra J. Golby ◽  
Gordon Kindlmann ◽  
Isaiah Norton ◽  
Alexander Yarmarkovich ◽  
Steven Pieper ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
White Matter ◽  
Diffusion Tensor ◽  
Software Project ◽  
Data Sets ◽  
Large White ◽  
Seed Point ◽  
Project Echo ◽  
Neurosurgical Planning ◽  
Local Selection ◽  
Tractography Data

Abstract BACKGROUND: Diffusion tensor imaging (DTI) infers the trajectory and location of large white matter tracts by measuring the anisotropic diffusion of water. DTI data may then be analyzed and presented as tractography for visualization of the tracts in 3 dimensions. Despite the important information contained in tractography images, usefulness for neurosurgical planning has been limited by the inability to define which are critical structures within the mass of demonstrated fibers and to clarify their relationship to the tumor. OBJECTIVE: To develop a method to allow the interactive querying of tractography data sets for surgical planning and to provide a working software package for the research community. METHODS: The tool was implemented within an open source software project. Echo-planar DTI at 3 T was performed on 5 patients, followed by tensor calculation. Software was developed that allowed the placement of a dynamic seed point for local selection of fibers and for fiber display around a segmented structure, both with tunable parameters. A neurosurgeon was trained in the use of software in < 1 hour and used it to review cases. RESULTS: Tracts near tumor and critical structures were interactively visualized in 3 dimensions to determine spatial relationships to lesion. Tracts were selected using 3 methods: anatomical and functional magnetic resonance imaging-defined regions of interest, distance from the segmented tumor volume, and dynamic seed-point spheres. CONCLUSION: Interactive tractography successfully enabled inspection of white matter structures that were in proximity to lesions, critical structures, and functional cortical areas, allowing the surgeon to explore the relationships between them.

scholarly journals Retrospective analysis of hemispheric structural network change as a function of location and size of glioma

2020 ◽  
Author(s):  
Shawn D’Souza ◽  
Lisa Hirt ◽  
David R Ormond ◽  
John A Thompson
Keyword(s):  
Diffusion Tensor Imaging ◽  
White Matter ◽  
Temporal Lobe ◽  
Diffusion Tensor ◽  
Brain Regions ◽  
Structural Network ◽  
Tumour Location ◽  
The Impact ◽  
Tractography Data ◽  
Diffusion Tensor Imaging Tractography

Abstract Gliomas are neoplasms that arise from glial cell origin and represent the largest fraction of primary malignant brain tumours (77%). These highly infiltrative malignant cell clusters modify brain structure and function through expansion, invasion and intratumoral modification. Depending on the growth rate of the tumour, location and degree of expansion, functional reorganization may not lead to overt changes in behaviour despite significant cerebral adaptation. Studies in simulated lesion models and in patients with stroke reveal both local and distal functional disturbances, using measures of anatomical brain networks. Investigations over the last two decades have sought to use diffusion tensor imaging tractography data in the context of intracranial tumours to improve surgical planning, intraoperative functional localization, and post-operative interpretation of functional change. In this study, we used diffusion tensor imaging tractography to assess the impact of tumour location on the white matter structural network. To better understand how various lobe localized gliomas impact the topology underlying efficiency of information transfer between brain regions, we identified the major alterations in brain network connectivity patterns between the ipsilesional versus contralesional hemispheres in patients with gliomas localized to the frontal, parietal or temporal lobe. Results were indicative of altered network efficiency and the role of specific brain regions unique to different lobe localized gliomas. This work draws attention to connections and brain regions which have shared structural susceptibility in frontal, parietal and temporal lobe glioma cases. This study also provides a preliminary anatomical basis for understanding which affected white matter pathways may contribute to preoperative patient symptomology.

Hierarchical Density-Based Clustering of White Matter Tracts in the Human Brain

2010 ◽  
Vol 1 (4) ◽  
pp. 1-25 ◽  
Author(s):  
Junming Shao ◽  
Klaus Hahn ◽  
Qinli Yang ◽  
Afra Wohlschläeger ◽  
Christian Boehm ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
White Matter ◽  
Human Brain ◽  
Similarity Measure ◽  
Multiple Scales ◽  
Diffusion Tensor ◽  
Clustering Algorithms ◽  
Vast Number ◽  
Lower Bounding ◽  
Density Based Clustering ◽  
Neurosurgical Planning

Diffusion tensor magnetic resonance imaging (DTI) provides a promising way of estimating the neural fiber pathways in the human brain non-invasively via white matter tractography. However, it is difficult to analyze the vast number of resulting tracts quantitatively. Automatic tract clustering would be useful for the neuroscience community, as it can contribute to accurate neurosurgical planning, tract-based analysis, or white matter atlas creation. In this paper, the authors propose a new framework for automatic white matter tract clustering using a hierarchical density-based approach. A novel fiber similarity measure based on dynamic time warping allows for an effective and efficient evaluation of fiber similarity. A lower bounding technique is used to further speed up the computation. Then the algorithm OPTICS is applied, to sort the data into a reachability plot, visualizing the clustering structure of the data. Interactive and automatic clustering algorithms are finally introduced to obtain the clusters. Extensive experiments on synthetic data and real data demonstrate the effectiveness and efficiency of our fiber similarity measure and show that the hierarchical density-based clustering method can group these tracts into meaningful bundles on multiple scales as well as eliminating noisy fibers.

scholarly journals Intraoperative Real-Time Querying of White Matter Tracts During Frameless Stereotactic Neuronavigation

Neurosurgery ◽  
2011 ◽  
Vol 68 (2) ◽  
pp. 506-516 ◽  
Author(s):  
Haytham Elhawary ◽  
Haiying Liu ◽  
Pratik Patel ◽  
Isaiah Norton ◽  
Laura Rigolo ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Magnetic Resonance Imaging ◽  
White Matter ◽  
Magnetic Resonance ◽  
Real Time ◽  
Navigation System ◽  
Diffusion Tensor ◽  
Tumor Resection ◽  
Resonance Imaging ◽  
Surgical Tool ◽  
Tractography Data

Abstract BACKGROUND: Brain surgery faces important challenges when trying to achieve maximum tumor resection while avoiding postoperative neurological deficits. OBJECTIVE: For surgeons to have optimal intraoperative information concerning white matter (WM) anatomy, we developed a platform that allows the intraoperative real-time querying of tractography data sets during frameless stereotactic neuronavigation. METHODS: Structural magnetic resonance imaging, functional magnetic resonance imaging, and diffusion tensor imaging were performed on 5 patients before they underwent lesion resection using neuronavigation. During the procedure, the tracked surgical tool tip position was transferred from the navigation system to the 3-dimensional Slicer software package, which used this position to seed the WM tracts around the tool tip location, rendering a geometric visualization of these tracts on the preoperative images previously loaded onto the navigation system. The clinical feasibility of this approach was evaluated in 5 cases of lesion resection. In addition, system performance was evaluated by measuring the latency between surgical tool tracking and visualization of the seeded WM tracts. RESULTS: Lesion resection was performed successfully in all 5 patients. The seeded WM tracts close to the lesion and other critical structures, as defined by the functional and structural images, were interactively visualized during the intervention to determine their spatial relationships relative to the lesion and critical cortical areas. Latency between tracking and visualization of tracts was less than a second for a fiducial radius size of 4 to 5 mm. CONCLUSION: Interactive tractography can provide an intuitive way to inspect critical WM tracts in the vicinity of the surgical region, allowing the surgeon to have increased intraoperative WM information to execute the planned surgical resection.

Precision Diffusion Imaging

2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
Nicole A Seider ◽  
Babatunde Adeyemo ◽  
Ryland Miller ◽  
Dillan J Newbold ◽  
Jacqueline M Hampton ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Diffusion Tensor ◽  
High Reliability ◽  
Diffusion Imaging ◽  
Imaging Method ◽  
Data Sets ◽  
Tensor Model ◽  
Analysis Method ◽  
Diffusion Weighted Images ◽  
Neurosurgical Planning ◽  
Repeated Sampling

AbstractDiffusion tensor imaging (DTI) aims to non-invasively characterize the anatomy and integrity of the brain’s white matter fibers. To establish individual-specific precision approaches for DTI, we defined its reliability and accuracy as a function of data quantity and analysis method, using both simulations and highly sampled individual-specific data (927-1442 diffusion weighted images [DWIs] per individual). DTI methods that allow for crossing fibers (BedpostX [BPX], Q-Ball Imaging [QBI]) estimated excess fibers when insufficient data was present and when the data did not match the model priors. To reduce such overfitting, we developed a novel crossing-fiber diffusion imaging method, Bayesian Multi-tensor Model-selection (BaMM), that is designed for high-quality repeated sampling data sets. BaMM was robust to overfitting, showing high reliability and the relatively best crossing-fiber accuracy with increasing amounts of diffusion data. Thus, the choice of diffusion imaging analysis method is important for the success of individual-specific diffusion imaging. Importantly, for potential clinical applications of individual-specific precision DTI, such as deep brain stimulation (DBS), other forms of neuromodulation or neurosurgical planning, the data quantities required to achieve DTI reliability are lower than for functional MRI measures.

Diffusion Tensor Imaging and Colored Fractional Anisotropy Mapping of the Ventralis Intermedius Nucleus of the Thalamus

Neurosurgery ◽  
2011 ◽  
Vol 69 (5) ◽  
pp. 1124-1130 ◽  
Author(s):  
Mark Sedrak ◽  
Alessandra Gorgulho ◽  
Andrew Frew ◽  
Eric Behnke ◽  
Antonio DeSalles ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Magnetic Resonance Imaging ◽  
Diffusion Tensor Imaging ◽  
White Matter ◽  
Magnetic Resonance ◽  
Fractional Anisotropy ◽  
Diffusion Tensor ◽  
Patient Specific ◽  
Superior Cerebellar Peduncle ◽  
Resonance Imaging ◽  
Neurosurgical Planning

Abstract BACKGROUND The ventralis intermedius (VIM) nucleus of the thalamus is the primary surgical target for treatment of tremor. Most centers rely on indirect targeting based on atlas-defined coordinates rather than patient-specific anatomy, making intraoperative physiological mapping critical. Detailed identification of this target based on patient-specific anatomic features can help optimize the surgical treatment of tremor. OBJECTIVE To study colored fractional anisotropic images and diffusion tensor imaging (DTI) tractography to identify characteristic magnetic resonance appearances of the VIM nucleus. METHODS Four patients undergoing stereotactic surgery for essential tremor (ET) were retrospectively studied with analysis of magnetic resonance imaging-based colored fractional anisotropy (FA) images and fiber tractography. All were scanned with a 1.5-T magnetic resonance imaging unit, and all sequences were obtained before frame placement. Because the goal of this study was to identify the DTI characteristics of physiologically defined VIM nucleus, we selected and studied patients who had undergone DTI and had efficacious tremor control with intraoperative microlesioning effect and tremor reduction with less than 2.0-V stimulation. RESULTS Analysis of color FA maps, which graphically illustrate fiber directionality, revealed consistent anatomic patterns. The region of the VIM nucleus can be seen as an intermediate region where there is a characteristic transition of color. Presumptive VIM nucleus interconnectivity with sensorimotor cortex and cerebellum was identified via the internal capsule and the superior cerebellar peduncle, respectively. FA maps could also be used to distinguish segments of gray matter, white matter, and gray-white matter boundaries. CONCLUSION Analysis of DTI and FA maps on widely available 1.5-T magnetic resonance imaging yields clear identification of various structures key to neurosurgical targeting. Prospective evaluation of integrating DTI into neurosurgical planning may be warranted.

Individual differences in white and grey matter structure associated with verbal habits of thought

2019 ◽  
Author(s):  
Justin C. Hayes ◽  
Katherine L Alfred ◽  
Rachel Pizzie ◽  
Joshua S. Cetron ◽  
David J. M. Kraemer
Keyword(s):  
Individual Differences ◽  
White Matter ◽  
Cognitive Processing ◽  
Grey Matter ◽  
Structural Changes ◽  
Structural Integrity ◽  
Diffusion Tensor ◽  
Self Report ◽  
White Matter Tracts

Modality specific encoding habits account for a significant portion of individual differences reflected in functional activation during cognitive processing. Yet, little is known about how these habits of thought influence long-term structural changes in the brain. Traditionally, habits of thought have been assessed using self-report questionnaires such as the visualizer-verbalizer questionnaire. Here, rather than relying on subjective reports, we measured habits of thought using a novel behavioral task assessing attentional biases toward picture and word stimuli. Hypothesizing that verbal habits of thought are reflected in the structural integrity of white matter tracts and cortical regions of interest, we used diffusion tensor imaging and volumetric analyses to assess this prediction. Using a whole-brain approach, we show that word bias is associated with increased volume in several bilateral language regions, in both white and grey matter parcels. Additionally, connectivity within white matter tracts within an a priori speech production network increased as a function of word bias. These results demonstrate long-term structural and morphological differences associated with verbal habits of thought.

Accuracy of diffusion tensor magnetic resonance imaging tractography assessed using intraoperative subcortical stimulation mapping and magnetic source imaging

2007 ◽  
Vol 107 (3) ◽  
pp. 488-494 ◽  
Author(s):  
Jeffrey I. Berman ◽  
Mitchel S. Berger ◽  
Sungwon Chung ◽  
Srikantan S. Nagarajan ◽  
Roland G. Henry
Keyword(s):  
White Matter ◽  
Magnetic Resonance ◽  
Diffusion Tensor ◽  
Fiber Tracking ◽  
Bipolar Electrode ◽  
Source Imaging ◽  
Magnetic Source Imaging ◽  
Motor Pathway ◽  
Magnetic Source ◽  
Subcortical Stimulation

Object Resecting brain tumors involves the risk of damaging the descending motor pathway. Diffusion tensor (DT)–imaged fiber tracking is a noninvasive magnetic resonance (MR) technique that can delineate the subcortical course of the motor pathway. The goal of this study was to use intraoperative subcortical stimulation mapping of the motor tract and magnetic source imaging to validate the utility of DT-imaged fiber tracking as a tool for presurgical planning. Methods Diffusion tensor-imaged fiber tracks of the motor tract were generated preoperatively in nine patients with gliomas. A mask of the resultant fiber tracks was overlaid on high-resolution T1- and T2-weighted anatomical MR images and used for stereotactic surgical navigation. Magnetic source imaging was performed in seven of the patients to identify functional somatosensory cortices. During resection, subcortical stimulation mapping of the motor pathway was performed within the white matter using a bipolar electrode. Results A total of 16 subcortical motor stimulations were stereotactically identified in nine patients. The mean distance between the stimulation sites and the DT-imaged fiber tracks was 8.7 ±3.1 mm (±standard deviation). The measured distance between subcortical stimulation sites and DT-imaged fiber tracks combines tracking technique errors and all errors encountered with stereotactic navigation. Conclusions Fiber tracks delineated using DT imaging can be used to identify the motor tract in deep white matter and define a safety margin around the tract.

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