Automated Locus Coeruleus segmentation and age-related signal changes across Neuromelanin-sensitive MRI and T1/T2-weighted images.

ABSTRACT: The locus coeruleus (LC) plays a key role in stress response, attention, and cognitive function, with its integrity closely linked to neuromelanin accumulation. Neuromelanin-sensitive MRI (NM-MRI) has enabled in vivo imaging of the LC, but automated segmentation remains challenging due to its small size, low contrast, and anatomical variability. This study aimed to evaluate the accuracy of automatic LC segmentation using multi-atlas nonlinear warping applied to high-resolution T1/T2-weighted images and to compare LC intensity characteristics across NM-MRI, T1w, and T2w images. Additionally, we examined developmental changes in LC signal from childhood through adulthood. We analyzed MRI data from 134 participants (ages 8~64) with NM-MRI, T1w, and T2w scans, alongside 652 participants (ages

SUBMITTER: Kim SH 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC12458106 | biostudies-literature | 2025 Sep

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature