What can we learn from T2 maps of the cortex?

• Published in: NeuroImage (Orlando, Fla.) Vol. 93; pp. 189 - 200
• Main Author: Cohen-Adad, J.
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: United States Elsevier Inc 01.06.2014; Elsevier Limited
• Subjects: Biomarker; Biomarkers; Brain Mapping; Brodmann; Cerebral Cortex - anatomy & histology; Cortex; Cytoarchitecture; Humans; Image Processing, Computer-Assisted; Magnetic fields; Magnetic Resonance Imaging; Myeloarchitecture; Myeloarchitecture; Cytoarchitecture; Biomarker; Brodmann; T2; Cortex; T
• ISSN: 1053-8119; 1095-9572
• DOI: 10.1016/j.neuroimage.2013.01.023

Studies have shown that T2* contrast can reveal features of cortical anatomy. However, understanding the relationship between T2* contrast and the underlying cyto- and myelo-architecture is not an easy task, given the number of confounds, such as myelin, iron, blood vessels and structure orientation. Moreover, it is difficult to obtain reliable T2* measurements in the cortex due to its thin and folded geometry and the presence of artifacts. This review addresses issues associated with T2* mapping in the human cortex. After describing the theory behind T2* relaxation, a list of practical steps is proposed to reliably acquire and process T2* data and then map these values within the cortex using surface-based analysis. The last section addresses the question: “What can we gain from T2* cortical mapping?”, with particular emphasis on Brodmann mapping. ► Acquisition and processing pipeline for T2* mapping in the in vivo human cortex ► T2* reveals myelo/cytoarchitecture features. ► B0 orientation dependence of T2* in the cortex