Identification of neonatal white matter on DTI: influence of more inclusive thresholds for atlas segmentation.

ABSTRACT:

Purpose

Semi-automated diffusion tensor imaging (DTI) analysis of white matter (WM) microstructure offers a clinically feasible technique to assess neonatal brain development and provide early prognosis, but is limited by variable methods and insufficient evidence regarding optimal parameters. The purpose of this research was to investigate the influence of threshold values on semi-automated, atlas-based brain segmentation in very-low-birth-weight (VLBW) preterm infants at near-term age.

Materials and methods

DTI scans were analyzed from 45 VLBW preterm neonates at near-term-age with no brain abnormalities evident on MRI. Brain regions were selected with a neonatal brain atlas and threshold values: trace <0.006 mm2/s, fractional anisotropy (FA)>0.15, FA>0.20, and FA>0.25. Re

SUBMITTER: Vassar RL 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC4266649 | biostudies-literature | 2014

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature