Vessel segmentation for $$ \chi $$ -separation in quantitative susceptibility mapping.

ABSTRACT:

Purpose

χ$$ \chi $$ -separation is an advanced quantitative susceptibility mapping (QSM) method that is designed to generate paramagnetic ( χpara$$ {\chi}_{para} $$ ) and diamagnetic ( |χdia|$$ \mid {\chi}_{dia}\mid $$ ) susceptibility maps, reflecting the distribution of iron and myelin in the brain. However, vessels have shown artifacts, interfering with the accurate quantification of iron and myelin in applications. To address this challenge, a new vessel segmentation method for χ$$ \chi $$ -separation is developed.

Methods

The method comprises three steps: (1) seed generation from R2*$$ {R}_2^{\ast } $$ and the product of χpara$$ {\chi}_{para} $$ and |χdia|$$ \mid {\chi}_{dia}\mid $$ maps; (2) region growing, guided by vessel geometry, creating a vessel mask; (3) refinem

SUBMITTER: Kim T 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC12620182 | biostudies-literature | 2026 Jan

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature