A diffusion tensor imaging white matter atlas of the domestic canine brain

Abstract

Abstract There is increasing reliance on magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) techniques in both research and clinical settings. However, few standardized methods exist to permit comparative studies of brain pathology and function. To help facilitate these studies, we have created a detailed, MRI-based white matter atlas of the canine brain using diffusion tensor imaging. This technique, which relies on the movement properties of water, permits the creation of a three-dimensional diffusivity map of white matter brain regions that can be used to predict major axonal tracts. To generate an atlas of white matter tracts, thirty neurologically and clinically normal dogs underwent MRI imaging under anesthesia. High-resolution, three-dimensional T1-weighted sequences were collected and averaged to create a population average template. Diffusion-weighted imaging sequences were collected and used to generate diffusivity maps, which were then registered to the T1-weighted template. Using these diffusivity maps, individual white matter tracts—including association, projection, commissural, brainstem, olfactory, and cerebellar tracts—were identified with reference to previous canine brain atlas sources. To enable the use of this atlas, we created downloadable overlay files for each white matter tract identified using manual segmentation software. In addition, using diffusion tensor imaging tractography, we created tract files to delineate major projection pathways. This comprehensive white matter atlas serves as a standard reference to aid in the interpretation of quantitative changes in brain structure and function in clinical and research settings.