Neuroimaging clinics of North America
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Neuroimaging Clin. N. Am. · Nov 2017
ReviewGraph Theoretic Analysis of Resting State Functional MR Imaging.
Graph theoretic analyses applied to examine the brain at rest have played a critical role in clarifying the foundations of the brain's intrinsic and task-related activity. There are many opportunities for clinical scientists to describe and predict dysfunction using a network perspective. ⋯ Major practices, concepts, and findings are concisely reviewed. The theoretic and practical frontiers of resting state functional MR imaging are highlighted with observations about major avenues for conceptual advances and clinical translation.
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Neuroimaging Clin. N. Am. · Nov 2017
ReviewMethods and Considerations for Dynamic Analysis of Functional MR Imaging Data.
Functional MR imaging (fMR imaging) studies have recently begun to examine spontaneous changes in interregional interactions (functional connectivity) over seconds to minutes, and their relation to natural shifts in cognitive and physiologic states. This practice opens the potential for uncovering structured, transient configurations of coordinated brain activity whose features may provide novel cognitive and clinical biomarkers. However, analysis of these time-varying phenomena requires careful differentiation between neural and nonneural contributions to the fMR imaging signal and thorough validation and statistical testing. In this article, the authors present an overview of methodological and interpretational considerations in this emerging field.
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Neuroimaging Clin. N. Am. · Aug 2017
ReviewAdvanced Tissue Characterization and Texture Analysis Using Dual-Energy Computed Tomography: Horizons and Emerging Applications.
In the last article of this issue, advanced analysis capabilities of DECT is reviewed, including spectral Hounsfield unit attenuation curves, virtual monochromatic images, material decomposition maps, tissue effective Z determination, and other advanced post-processing DECT tools, followed by different methods of analysis of the attenuation curves generated using DECT. The article concludes with exciting future horizons and potential applications, such as the use of the rich quantitative data in dual energy CT scans for texture or radiomic analysis and the use of machine learning methods for generation of prediction models using spectral data.
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Neuroimaging Clin. N. Am. · Aug 2017
ReviewMiscellaneous and Emerging Applications of Dual-Energy Computed Tomography for the Evaluation of Intracranial Pathology.
Dual-energy computed tomography (CT) has the potential to improve detection of abnormalities and increase diagnostic confidence in the evaluation of a variety of neurologic conditions by using different x-ray energy-dependent absorption behaviors of different materials. This article reviews the virtual monochromatic imaging applications of dual-energy CT, particularly material decomposition algorithms to improve lesion conspicuity, define lesion-normal tissue interface using different reconstruction techniques, and discuss miscellaneous emerging applications of dual-energy CT for neuroimaging, with an emphasis on their potential clinical utility.