Diffusion MRI simulation of realistic neurons with SpinDoctor and the Neuron Module, ISMRM poster

Van-Dang Nguyen (1) , Chengran Fang (2, 3) , Demian Wassermann (3) , Jing-Rebecca Li (2)

1 CST - Division of Computational Science and Technology [Stockholm]
2 DeFI - Shape reconstruction and identification
3 PARIETAL - Modelling brain structure, function and variability based on high-field MRI data

The simulation of diffusion MRI arising from realistic neuron models can help investigate the cellular microstructure. However, ensuring correct connectivity between the distinct compartments comprising the system while minimizing the computational burden is one of the main challenges in our community. The design of accurate and efficient simulation algorithm and the construction of high quality neurons meshes are two difficulties in addressing this problem.The Neuron Module can perform HARDI simulation of realistic neurons at various b-values and diffusion sequences with high accuracy.The computational time per gradient direction is around 30 seconds which is much faster than some Monte-Carlo simulators. The linear relationship between the diffusion direction averaged signal and one over square root of b for tubular structures is validated by our simulations. We believe our work can add substantially to the understanding of the imaging of neuronal microstructure.

Mots clés: diffusion MRI; Bloch-Torrey PDE; realistic neuron; HARDI

Domaines: Modélisation et simulation; Equations aux dérivées partielles [math.AP]

Van-Dang Nguyen, Chengran Fang, Demian Wassermann, Jing-Rebecca Li. Diffusion MRI simulation of realistic neurons with SpinDoctor and the Neuron Module, ISMRM poster. ISMRM 2020 - 28th Annual Meeting & Exhibition, Apr 2020, Sydney, Australia. ⟨hal-02477492⟩