应用DTI技术对人脑白质纤维束的初步研究

Primary study of the white matter fibers in human brain by using diffusion tensor imaging

目的建立扩散张量纤维束成像对人脑白质纤维的显示方法,并应用中国数字化可视人体数据进行对照观察,验证扩散张量成像(DTI)方法的可靠性。方法选择5名健康志愿者进行DTI成像,采用DtiStudio软件进行分析处理,重建出部分各向异性(FA)图、容积比(VR)图、相对各向异性(RA)图、表面扩散系数(ADC)图以及二维彩色张量图。应用中国数字化可视人体数据集断面图像、FA图及彩色FA图进行对照观察,利用fibertracking纤维跟踪软件及3DMRI软件进行三维重建显示脑内主要白质纤维束,辨认脑内白质纤维束的位置、形态。结果应用DTI纤维束成像可以清晰准确地描绘脑白质内主要神经纤维束的解剖图谱,包括联络纤维如弓形纤维、钩束、扣带束、上纵束和下纵束,连合纤维如胼胝体、前连合和穹隆,投射纤维如锥体束、视放射、内侧丘系等。DTI纤维束成像结果与已知解剖知识、中国可视化人体断面图像具有很好的一致性。结论应用DTI纤维束成像可以清晰准确地描绘脑白质内主要神经纤维束的解剖图谱,其结果与中国可视化人体断面图像、已知解剖知识是一致的,应用DTI纤维束成像研究脑内纤维连通性是可靠的。

Objective To display the three dimensional architecture of the white matter fibers in human brain by using diffusion tensor tractography, and to investigate the reliability of DTI by comparing with the Chinese visual human dataset. Methods Diffusion tensor imaging was performed with five volunteers, and the data were processed with DtiStudio software to reconstruct the FA, 1-VR, RA, ADC and the color FA map. The reconstructed FA and color FA map were compared with the sectional images of the Chinese visual human dataset, and the white matter fibers in brain were visualized by using tractography software and 3D MRI software. Results The three dimensional architecture of white matter fibers could be clearly visualized on diffusion tensor tractography, including association fibers as the arcuate fibers, the uncinate fascicules, the cingulum, the superior and inferior longitudinal fasciculi; the commissural fibers as corpus callosum, anterior commissure and fornix; the projection fibers as the pyramidal tract, the visual radiation and the medial lemniscuses. The fibers displayed by diffusion tensor tractography were well consistent with the sectional images of the Chinese visual human dataset and the known anatomy. Conclusion The method is a reliable way for studying the fiber connectivity in human brain.