Unbiased longitudinal brain atlas creation using robust linear registration and log-Euclidean framework for diffeomorphisms

Antoine Legouhy (1) , Olivier Commowick (1) , François Rousseau (2) , Christian Barillot (1)

1 Empenn - Neuroimagerie: méthodes et applications
2 LaTIM - Laboratoire de Traitement de l'Information Medicale

We present a new method to create a diffeomorphic longitudinal (4D) atlas composed of a set of 3D atlases each representing an average model at a given age. This is achieved by generalizing atlasing methods to produce atlases unbiased with respect to the initial reference up to a rigid transformation and ensuring diffeomorphic deformations thanks to the Baker-Campbell-Hausdorff formula and the log-Euclidean framework for diffeomorphisms. Subjects are additionally weighted using an asymmetric function to closely match specified target ages. Creating a longitudinal atlas also implies dealing with subjects with large brain differences that can lead to registration errors. This is overcome by a robust rigid registration based on polar decomposition. We illustrate these techniques for the creation of a 4D pediatric atlas, showing their ability to create a temporally consistent atlas.

Mots clés: Diffeomorphism; Registration; Brain development; Longitudinal atlas; Index Terms-Longitudinal atlas

Domaines: Biologie du développement; Médecine humaine et pathologie; Pédiatrie; Psychiatrie et santé mentale

Antoine Legouhy, Olivier Commowick, François Rousseau, Christian Barillot. Unbiased longitudinal brain atlas creation using robust linear registration and log-Euclidean framework for diffeomorphisms. ISBI 2019 - 16th IEEE International Symposium on Biomedical Imaging, Apr 2019, Venise, Italy. pp.1038-1041, ⟨10.1109/ISBI.2019.8759508⟩. ⟨inserm-02099958v2⟩