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DTI Analysis Methods: Voxel-Based Analysis

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Diffusion Tensor Imaging

Abstract

Voxel-based analysis (VBA) of diffusion tensor imaging (DTI) data permits the investigation of voxel-wise differences or changes in DTI metrics in every voxel of a brain dataset. It is applied primarily in the exploratory analysis of hypothesized group-level alterations in DTI parameters, as it does not require prior knowledge of where in the brain such changes may occur. Whilst VBA is a widely used, powerful preclinical research tool, there are a number of methodological issues that should be considered when applying the technique to study (pre)clinical populations. This chapter reviews the component steps of a typical VBA study pipeline and includes a comprehensive introduction to image registration, DTI template/atlas selection, smoothing, and statistical analysis. The popular tract-based spatial (TBSS) technique is introduced and contrasted with traditional VBA approaches. At each stage, guidance on optimizing parameter settings is presented along with the pros and cons of different methods to assist the reader in choosing the best approach for their application.

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Author information

Authors and Affiliations

  1. icometrix, Tervuursesteenweg 244, Leuven, 3001, Belgium

    Wim Van Hecke PhD

  2. Department of Radiology, Antwerp University Hospital, Wilrijkstraat 10, Edegem, 2650, Antwerp, Belgium

    Wim Van Hecke PhD

  3. PROVIDI Lab, Image Sciences Institute, University Medical Center Utrecht, Utrecht, The Netherlands

    Alexander Leemans PhD

  4. Translational MRI and Radiology, University Hospital Leuven, KU Leuven, Leuven, Belgium

    Louise Emsell PhD

  5. Universitair Psychiatrisch Centrum (UPC), KU Leuven, Leuven, Belgium

    Louise Emsell PhD

Authors
  1. Wim Van Hecke PhD
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  2. Alexander Leemans PhD
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  3. Louise Emsell PhD
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Corresponding author

Correspondence to Wim Van Hecke PhD .

Editor information

Editors and Affiliations

  1. icometrix; Department of Radiology, Department of Radiology, Antwerp University Hospital, Leuven, Antwerpen, Belgium

    Wim Van Hecke

  2. Departments of Translational MRI and Radiology, KU Leuven and University Hospitals Leuven, Leuven, Belgium

    Louise Emsell

  3. Departments of Translational MRI and Radiology, KU Leuven and University Hospitals Leuven, Leuven, Belgium

    Stefan Sunaert

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Van Hecke, W., Leemans, A., Emsell, L. (2016). DTI Analysis Methods: Voxel-Based Analysis. In: Van Hecke, W., Emsell, L., Sunaert, S. (eds) Diffusion Tensor Imaging. Springer, New York, NY. https://doi.org/10.1007/978-1-4939-3118-7_10

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  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/978-1-4939-3118-7_10

  • Publisher Name: Springer, New York, NY

  • Print ISBN: 978-1-4939-3117-0

  • Online ISBN: 978-1-4939-3118-7

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