Accurate Estimation of a Multiple Fascicle Model Is Enabled by Manipulation of Gradient Strength in a Two-Shell HARDI to Achieve Low TE.

Benoit Scherrer¹, Simon K. Warfield¹

We propose a novel Cube and Sphere (CUSP) diffusion gradient encoding scheme that images multiple non-zero b-values with low TE and therefore high SNR to estimate a multi-tensor model. It is constructed from the projection of a two-shell HARDI on the enclosing cube of the inner shell, by reducing the gradient strength until the cube surface is reached. We shows that, despite the fact that CUSP doesnt have full spherical coverage, it does not introduce any angular sensitivity to fascicle orientation and provides a lower estimation uncertainty than the corresponding two-shell HARDI. CUSP enables accurate white matter diffusion imaging.