An improved fiber tracking algorithm based on fiber assignment using the continuous tracking algorithm and two-tensor model

摘要

This study tested an improved fiber tracking algorithm, which was based on fiber assignment using a continuous tracking algorithm and a two-tensor model. Different models and tracking decisions were used by judging the type of estimation of each voxel. This method should solve the cross-track problem. This study included eight healthy subjects, two axonal injury patients and seven demyelinating disease patients. This new algorithm clearly exhibited a difference in nerve fiber direction between axonal injury and demyelinating disease patients and healthy control subjects. Compared with fiber assignment with a continuous tracking algorithm, our novel method can track more and longer nerve fibers, and also can solve the fiber crossing problem. Research Highlights This study tested an improved fiber tracking algorithm based on fiber assignment using a continuous tracking algorithm and a two-tensor model. In this algorithm, tracking decisions are made by judging the estimation type of each voxel. This method can solve the cross-track problem. Abbreviations ADC, apparent diffusion coefficient; MD, mean diffusivity; FA, fractional anisotropy; RA, relative anisotropy