Fixel-Based Analysis of White Matter in Temporal Lobe Epilepsy

Abstract

Temporal lobe epilepsy (TLE) has been investigated by many researchers in the last two decades. Many efforts have been done based on magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) data such as identifying the TLE type, identifying the missing links, and automatically classifying epileptic subjects. Investigating TLE patients has paved the way for introducing, comparing, and developing new algorithms on diffusion weighted imaging (DWI) data. Fixel study is one of the newest methods for DWI analysis. Superiority of this method over other methods such as diffusion tensor imaging (DTI) is in correct recording of cross-over fibers. Furthermore, combination of fiber density and fiber cross-section measures has created a suitable method for group studies. Using fixel-based analysis, we have depicted the most important alterations in the fiber density of TLE patients. Statistically significant alteration in the ipsilateral hemisphere has been demonstrated for both right and left TLE. Superiority of fiber density and cross-section (FDC) over fiber density (FD) for TLE studies is illustrated.