High-resolution Diffusion Tensor Imaging with Deep Learning Reconstruction: Preliminary Results in Sub-cortical Fiber Tracking

Diffusion tensor imaging (DTI) is a well-established tool for providing insights into brain structural connectivity and detecting brain microstructure. High spatial resolution diffusion MRI can provide improved resolvability of fibers with high-curvature (u-fibers). Segmented k-space methods such as Multiplexed sensitivity-encoding (MUSE) are often used to achieve high resolution diffusion images, however the shortcomings, such as prolonged scan time and low signal-noise-ratio (SNR), still exist. In this study, we aim to further improve the image quality of high-resolution diffusion images acquired with MUSE by combing with a deep learning based reconstruction method and thus to improve the sub-cortical fiber tracking accuracy.