Differences between generalized Q-sampling imaging and diffusion tensor imaging in visualization of crossing neural fibers in the brain

PURPOSE: The aim of this study was to discuss the advantages of GQI reconstruction in the imaging of nerve fibers at crossing regions. Compared with DTI, the paper also discussed the advantages of GQI in imaging principles. METHODS: 3-T MRI data from five normal participants were reconstructed using GQI and DTI. After adjusting the parameters, we compared the differences in reconstructed nerve fibers at the crossing regions between the two methods. To complete this study, we chose four obvious examples (the optic nerve, the Superior cerebellar peduncles, the intersection of the pyramidal tract, the corpus callosum and the arcuate fibers and the intersection of the supplementary motor area (SMA) and the anterior part of arcuate fasciculus) to illustrate. RESULTS: By reconstructing nerve fibers in three regions, we can find that crossing-area images of nerve fibers significantly differed between DTI and GQI reconstruction. Although crossing fibers could be clearly and completely visualized after GQI reconstruction, they showed artifacts, incompleteness, deletions, and fractures after DTI reconstruction. After GQI reconstruction, we can find that there were two or more nerve fibers in each voxel. However, only one nerve fiber was present in each voxel after DTI reconstruction. CONCLUSION: The imaging of crossing fibers is more complete, consistent, and accurate when they are reconstructed by GQI than when they are reconstructed by DTI.