Fiber tractography: Linear versus Planar b-Tensor encoding DWI

Motivation: Neurosurgeons rely on Diffusion MRI white matter visualizations to maximize tumor resection margins whilst minimizing potential deficits. Fiber tractography is, however, limited by diffusion blurring which hinders our ability to discern crossing and branching fibers and reduces surgical confidence. Goal(s): We evaluate if higher angular resolution is available when using Planar (PTE) rather than traditional Linear (LTE) b-Tensor Encoding DWI. Approach: We calculate Orientation Distribution Function (ODF) peak width as a measure of angular resolution in simulations and perform in vivo tractography. Results: PTE ODFs have reduced peak width, in particular for single shell acquisitions, resulting in improved tractography. Impact: Increasingly faithful visual representations of brain structural connections are expected to improve neurosurgical planning and lesion resection. We report that tract visualization can potentially be improved by using Planar instead of Linear b-Tensor Encoding DWI.