The effects of connection reconstruction method on the interregional connectivity of brain networks via diffusion tractography.
Hum Brain Mapp
; 33(8): 1894-913, 2012 Aug.
Article
in En
| MEDLINE
| ID: mdl-21928316
ABSTRACT
Estimating the interregional structural connections of the brain via diffusion tractography is a complex procedure and the parameters chosen can affect the outcome of the connectivity matrix. Here, we investigated the influence of different connection reconstruction methods on brain connectivity networks. Specifically, we applied three connection reconstruction methods to the same set of diffusion MRI data, initiating tracking from deep white matter (method #1, M1), from the gray matter/white matter interface (M2), and from the gray/white matter interface with thresholded tract volume rather than the connection probability as the connectivity index (M3). Small-world properties, hub identification, and hemispheric asymmetry in connectivity patterns were then calculated and compared across methods. Despite moderate to high correlations in the graph-theoretic measures across different methods, significant differences were observed in small-world indices, identified hubs, and hemispheric asymmetries, highlighting the importance of reconstruction method on network parameters. Consistent with the prior reports, the left precuneus was identified as a hub region in all three methods, suggesting it has a prominent role in brain networks.
Full text:
1
Collection:
01-internacional
Database:
MEDLINE
Main subject:
Brain
/
Brain Mapping
/
Image Interpretation, Computer-Assisted
/
Diffusion Tensor Imaging
/
Nerve Net
Limits:
Adult
/
Animals
/
Female
/
Humans
/
Male
Language:
En
Journal:
Hum Brain Mapp
Journal subject:
CEREBRO
Year:
2012
Type:
Article
Affiliation country:
United States