Construction of Human Brain Templates with Diffusion Tensor Imaging Data: A Review

Abstract

Diffusion-weighted magnetic resonance images contain rich information on brain white matter (WM), and have been used to construct brain templates/atlases. However, the accuracy of brain templates reconstructed with the diffusion tensor model is often limited in regions with complex WM configurations. To overcome this problem, high angular resolution diffusion imaging acquisition and reconstruction have been developed for building higher quality brain template. In this paper, the research progresses on the construction of brain template using diffusion tensor imaging (DTI) are reviewed. Firstly, the technical aspects and limitations in using DTI data to build brain templates were discussed. Secondly, diffusion spectrum imaging and high angular resolution diffusion imaging techniques were introduced, with their advantages over the DTI techniques explained. Finally, the existing problems and the perspectives of the field were discussed.

Keywords

• diffusion tensor imaging
• diffusion spectrum imaging
• high angular resolution diffusion imaging
• brain template
• spatial registration