Test-retest reliability of template-defined vs. manual tracing processing streams in neuromelanin-sensitive magnetic resonance imaging analysis.

ABSTRACT: Neuromelanin (NM) magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) is a relatively new, noninvasive method used as a proxy measure of midbrain dopamine function. Previous studies in schizophrenia have found evidence of enhanced signal in patients that are associated with positive psychotic symptoms. However, there are limited data available comparing methods of computing signal in substantia nigra (SN). We sought to examine the reliability and validity of manual tracing vs template-defined methods to help guide the field in identifying optimal approaches in NM imaging. NM-MRI was performed on 22 participants (18 with early psychosis (EP) and 4 healthy controls (HCs)) scanned twice over a 1-14 week period. Mean SN NM signal was calculated using template-defined and manual tracing methods to define SN ROIs.

SUBMITTER: Lesh TA 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC12509897 | biostudies-literature | 2025 Dec

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature