Diffusion MRI Neuroscience
Digital Poster
Diffusion
Tuesday, 12 May 2026
This session, Diffusion MRI Neuroscience, explores how diffusion-weighted MRI and diffusion MRI methodologies advance the understanding of white and gray matter organization across the central nervous system. Emphasis is placed on diffusion visualization and quantitative characterization of matter microstructure, supported by optimal experimental design, diffusion acquisition strategies, and simulation-based validation. Methodological topics include experimental design for diffusion MRI, mitigation of field inhomogeneity effects, and accurate image registration across brain and spinal cord imaging. Translational applications span neurological and neuropsychiatric conditions, including multiple sclerosis, narcolepsy type disorders, and post-stroke depression, as well as emerging targets such as the parasagittal dura and IVIM-related diffusion processes. By integrating magnetic resonance imaging theory, acquisition, and visualization with neuroscience-driven questions, the session highlights diffusion MRI as a core tool for probing tissue diffusion and microstructural organization in health and disease.
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462-02-001.
An improved estimation method for field inhomogeneity maps in distorted brain EPI using anatomical regularization
Impact: The proposed method enables robust estimation
of field inhomogeneity maps from distorted EPI data without additional
acquisitions, providing a practical solution for retrospective distortion
correction and improving the fidelity of diffusion MRI analysis in technically
constrained environments.
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462-02-002.
Investigating the Characteristics of the Parasagittal Dura Using IVIM MRI
Impact: Given
that DWI can be utilized to assess the circulatory condition of the
parasagittal dura, our study investigates the influence of CSF on the diffusion
of the parasagittal dura using both FLAIR-IVIM and conventional IVIM.
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462-02-003.
T1-weighting in steady-state FLASH MRI – diffusion is not only supportive, but mandatory for contrast
Impact: Diffusion is necessary for achieving realistic
steady-state contrast in FLASH MRI simulations. Omitting diffusion leads to a
change in T1-weighted contrast, with CSF appearing brighter than white matter.
This alters prospects for all scientists using MR simulations
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462-02-004.
A sparse, multidimensional diffusion MRI representation for clinically feasible rotation-invariant microstructure mapping
Impact: Dense, multidimensional diffusion MRI protocols provide
rich information about tissue microstructure but are clinically infeasible to
acquire. We present a sparse representation that enables a fivefold reduction
in scan time maintaining accurate microstructure quantification and freeing up valuable scan time.
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462-02-005.
Data-driven optimal experimental design for diffusion-relaxation MRI
Impact: We present a data-driven approach for optimizing joint diffusion/T2-relaxometry acquisitions without relying on an a-priori biophysical model. The resulting acquisition schemes are jointly optimized over b-value and echo-time dimensions and demonstrably improve the precision of downstream model fitting.
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462-02-006.
Dependence of extra-cellular diffusion coefficient on the fractions of neurites and cell bodies in gray matter
Impact: This work provides the theoretical framework for gray matter extracellular tortuosity, enabling novel diffusion MRI biomarkers of soma and neurite fractions. It opens avenues for studying microstructural alterations in development, aging, and neurodegenerative diseases with shorter scan times.
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462-02-007.
Fast Differentiable CRLB Optimization for QTI: Gradient-Based Design of Robust Microstructural Encodings
Impact: This work establishes a differentiable framework for Fisher-information-based protocol optimization for q-space trajectory imaging. By replacing conventional numerical search with gradient-based Automatic Differentiation, and evaluating FIM under positivity-constrained fitting routines, this framework enables efficient experiment design for robust microstructural mapping.
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462-02-008.
Alterations of white matter in mid-life obesity among Indian men: A multi-method obesity diagnosis and multi-parametric MRI
Impact: The white matter is altered in obesity, with
increasing age, and its volumetric changes are sensitive to WHR, a parameter
associated with thin-fat obesity. The microstructural changes represented by
diffusivity metrics are altered in obesity, regardless of the disease
phenotype.
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462-02-009.
Disease-Specific Signatures of Genetic and Neuroimaging Factors Underlying Clinical Heterogeneity in Psychotic Disorders
Impact: This evidence establishes a neurogenetic framework
for bipolar disorder subtyping. The distinct brain-clinical covariation enables
focused investigation of its underlying mechanisms, advancing biological
stratification beyond symptom-based diagnosis and clarifying disorder-specific
pathways.
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462-02-010.
Measuring g-Ratio in the Intraorbital Optic Nerve
Impact: This work establishes a framework for in vivo g-ratio mapping in the human optic nerve, enabling future studies of demyelination and axonal loss in diseases such as Multiple Sclerosis (MS).
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462-02-011.
Glymphatic alteration in NAFLD patient: A preliminary magnetic resonance imaging study based on DTI-ALPS
Impact: The findings suggest that the potential risk of neurological complications should be considered when evaluating patients with NAFLD. The DTI-ALPS index may serve as a valuable biomarker for the early identification of NAFLD patients at risk of cognitive impairment.
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462-02-012.
Glymphatic Function Shapes Superior Temporal Microstructure–Affect Interactions
Impact: Superior temporal microstructure, moderated by glymphatic function, predicts affective disruption in head and neck cancer survivors, revealing neural mechanisms of resilience and identifying biomarkers and targets to mitigate psychosocial impairment and enhance quality of life.
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462-02-013.
Bilingual expertise impacts brain age: region-wise study in bilinguals, translators, and interpreters
Impact: We evaluate a prediction of the Dynamic Restructuring Model by testing whether increasing levels of bilingual expertise are reflected in measurable differences in brain age. Clarifying how bilingual experience supports healthy aging can inform strategies to bolster cognitive resilience.
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