Comparison of cardiomyocyte orientation assessed with diffusion tensor imaging and a high-angular resolution diffusion imaging model

Motivation: The orientation of the cardiomyocytes can be probed non-invasively with diffusion imaging. In-vivo, this is typically assessed by the orientation of the primary eigenvector in a diffusion tensor model, although questions remain about the ability of this model to probe complex cardiomyocyte arrangements. Goal(s): To assess the agreement of cardiomyocyte orientation measures given by a diffusion tensor and a more robust q-ball model. Approach: A diffusion tensor model was compared to a q-ball diffusion model in a healthy porcine heart. Results: Median angular deviations of 7.8 and 10.8 degrees were found for the main diffusion direction between the two models. Impact: We provide an estimate of cardiomyocyte angular orientation differences between a diffusion tensor model and a more robust diffusion q-ball model with a higher angular resolution in a healthy porcine heart.