Simultaneous Assessment of Microstructural integrity and Metabolite Profile from Superior Longitudinal Fasciculus in Normal Healthy Brains

Motivation: Superior longitudinal fasciculus (SLF) is critical in multiple normal functions. It is imperative to co-localize white-matter tract of SLF with metabolite maps to facilitate simultaneous analysis of microstructural integrity and metabolite alterations. Goal(s): To evaluate relationships among metabolite ratios and diffusion MRI derived parameters along the path of SLF in normal healthy adults. Approach: The associations between whole brain spectroscopy derived Cho/Cr, Cho/NAA ratios and diffusion MRI derived FA, MD, fICVF, fIso and ODI parameters were assessed along the length of SLF segments II-III. Results: Strong significant correlations between Cho/Cr and Cho/NAA ratios and FA, MD, ficvf were observed. Impact: Diffusion MRI and whole brain spectroscopy could be used to study the covariation of white matter microstructure and metabolism. Multiparametric normative tract profiles established over larger cohorts could serve as the basis for early detection of white matter anomalies.