Mapping Human Cortical Areas In Vivo Based on Myelin Content as Revealed by T1- and T2-Weighted MRI

Noninvasively mapping the layout of cortical areas in humans is a continuing challenge for neuroscience. We present a new method of mapping cortical areas based on myelin content as revealed by T1-weighted (T1w) and T2-weighted (T2w) MRI. The method is generalizable across different 3T scanners and pulse sequences. We use the ratio of T1w/T2w image intensities to eliminate the MR-related image intensity bias and enhance the contrast to noise ratio for myelin. Data from each subject were mapped to the cortical surface and aligned across individuals using surface-based registration. The spatial gradient of the group average myelin map provides an observer-independent measure of sharp transitions in myelin…

• BA
  Brigham and Women's Hospital
• NI
  National Institutes of Health

  Awards: 1U54MH091657, GM007200, MH071616, NIH T32, U54 EB005149, EB005149, 1U54MH091657-01, T32 GM007200
• NC
  National Center for Research Resources
• NB
  NIH Blueprint for Neuroscience Research

  Award: 1U54MH091657