Abstract #3532

Diffusion Tensor Tractography of the Somatosensory System in the Human Brainstem: Initial Findings Using High Isotropic Spatial Resolution at 3.0 T

Arash Kamali¹, Larry A. Kramer², Ian J. Butler³, Khader M. Hasan²

¹Diagnostic and Interventional Imaging, University of Texas Health Science Center at Hosuton, Houston, TX, USA; ²Diagnostic and Interventional Imaging, University of Texas Health Science Center at Houston, Houston, TX, USA; ³Pediatrics, University of Texas Health Science Center at Hosuton, Houston, TX, USA

Lack of adequate spatial resolution has impeded depiction of different somatosensory pathways with unique sensory functions such as spinal lemniscus (SL) and medial lemniscus (ML). The purpose of this study is to demonstrate that a reliable delineation of the ML and SL on Diffusion Tensor Imaging (DTI) requires higher spatial resolution combined with accurate ROI placement. This is the first study to demonstrate the feasibility of in vivo delineation and reconstruction of the two major somatosensory pathways with unique sensory functions using high spatial resolution DTI data on 3.0 T.