Spatiotemporal changes of cortical cytoarchitectural complexity across brain regions and between genders during infancy

Motivation: Human infancy is characterized by the fastest brain changes. However, little is known about the spatiotemporal dynamics of cortical cytoarchitectural complexity. Goal(s): To reveal spatiotemporal changes of cortical cytoarchitectural complexity across infant brain regions and between genders. Approach: We measured cortical cytoarchitectural maturation during infancy using diffusion kurtosis-derived mean kurtosis maps from multi-shell infant diffusion MRI of the highest resolution available to date and captured both shared and unique cytoarchitectural change patterns employing generalized additive models. Results: The results revealed both common growth trends across brain regions and between genders as well as unique regional and gender differences. Impact: This study offers invaluable insight into spatiotemporal changes in cortical cytoarchitecture by leveraging cutting-edge multi-shell infant diffusion MRI with the highest resolution available to date. The cortical cytoarchitectural trendlines could serve as references for normal infant development and disorders.