Enhancing the Performance of Local Maximum Method for Extracting Fiber Directions from the Orientation Distribution Function Using Maximum Variation and Clustering Methods

Getaneh Bayu Tefera¹, Yuxiang Zhou¹, Ponnada A. Narayana¹

Abstract: A method to obtain the principal diffusion directions from the orientation density function (ODF) determined using the fourth order tensor, where the local maximum method fails, is developed. This method is applied to analyze the human brain diffusion data using high angular resolution diffusion imaging (HARDI) data. Application of the proposed method to HARDI datasets, a clear crossing pattern of superior longitudinal fasciculus (SLF) and cerebral spinal tract (CST) that was not seen with the local maximum method was demonstrated.