Brodmann’s Area Template Based Region of Interest Setting and Probabilistic Pathway Map Generation in Diffusion Tensor Tractography: Application to the Arcuate Fasciculus Fiber Tract in the Human Brain

The purpose of this study is to acquire accurate diffusion tensor tractography (DTT) results for arcuate fasciculus (AF) fiber tract using Brodmann's area (BA) template for region of interest (ROI) setting. Thirteen healthy subjects were participated in this study. Fractional anisotropy (FA) map of each subject was calculated using diffusion tensor data, and T1w template was co-registered to FA map. The BA template was also co-registered using the transformation matrix. The ROIs were drawn in the co-registered BA template, and AF fiber tract was extracted. To generate the probabilistic pathway map, a binary mask image was generated based on the fiber tract image and co-registered to T1w template image. We also measured relative location of the AF fiber tract. The location of the probabilistic pathway map of each subject's AF fiber tract was well defined in the brain. By using this probabilistic map, the mediolateral position ratio of AF was measured 18%, and the anteroposterior position ratio of AF was measured 35%, respectively. This study demonstrated that the AF fiber tract can be extracted using BA template for ROI setting and probabilistic pathway of fiber tract. Our results and analytical approaches can helpful for accurate fiber tracking and application of perspective clinical researches.