Effects of Diffusion Time-dependent Tractography Focused on Skeletal Muscles

Motivation: In the skeletal muscles, the effects of varying diffusion times have rarely been investigated, and to what extent they are affected is unclear. Goal(s): This study aimed to determine the effect of diffusion time on skeletal muscle delineation and anisotropy. Approach: Tensor analysis and tractography measurements were performed on the hind legs of mice to investigate the relationship between diffusion time and myofiber delineation and anisotropy in skeletal muscles. Results: Longer diffusion times allowed us to assess diffusion movements within muscle fibers and capture the precise organization of the skeletal muscles. Impact: The effect of varying diffusion times on skeletal muscle myofibers was clarified. The results suggested that this method could be applied to human skeletal muscles for the examination of intramuscular tissues.