gms | German Medical Science

Kongress Medizin und Gesellschaft 2007

17. bis 21.09.2007, Augsburg

Unified control and data analysis system for real time functional Magnetic Resonance Imaging (rfMRI) experiments

Meeting Abstract

  • Maurice Hollmann - Medical Faculty, Institute for Biometry and Medical Informatics, University of Magdeburg, Magdeburg
  • Tobias Moench - Medical Faculty, Institute for Biometry and Medical Informatics, University of Magdeburg, Magdeburg
  • Sebastian Baecke - Medical Faculty, Institute for Biometry and Medical Informatics, University of Magdeburg, Magdeburg
  • Ralf Lützkendorf - Medical Faculty, Institute for Biometry and Medical Informatics, University of Magdeburg, Magdeburg
  • Johannes Bernarding - Medical Faculty, Institute for Biometry and Medical Informatics, University of Magdeburg, Magdeburg

Kongress Medizin und Gesellschaft 2007. Augsburg, 17.-21.09.2007. Düsseldorf: German Medical Science GMS Publishing House; 2007. Doc07gmds167

Die elektronische Version dieses Artikels ist vollständig und ist verfügbar unter: http://www.egms.de/de/meetings/gmds2007/07gmds167.shtml

Veröffentlicht: 6. September 2007

© 2007 Hollmann et al.
Dieser Artikel ist ein Open Access-Artikel und steht unter den Creative Commons Lizenzbedingungen (http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nc-nd/3.0/deed.de). Er darf vervielfältigt, verbreitet und öffentlich zugänglich gemacht werden, vorausgesetzt dass Autor und Quelle genannt werden.


Gliederung

Text

Introduction: rfMRI allows to optimise learning strategies, neuro-feedback or communication processes [1],[2],[3]. Usually, separated software controls MRI measuring sequence, stimulus presentation, and statistical analysis rendering user communication and synchronisation difficult. In a new approach, an XML-based experiment description language (EDL) was developed that controlled in real-time the paradigm presentation, the rfMRI application, and the data analysis.

Methods: Pre-defined information about the paradigm, the measurement parameters, and the statistical analysis, were stored in a central EDL-file. For the statistical analysis, students t-test and correlation analysis were integrated into the software. The consistency of the EDL syntax and range of experimental parameters, i.e. the experimental control and data analysis, was checked using public XML tools.

Results: rfMRI measurements were performed on a 3T (SIEMENS Trio) and a 7T (SIEMENS) MR scanner. The standard BOLD-EPI-sequence, and the scanner-based image post-processing were modified to export in real-time each single 3D dataset to an external PC. After written consent and approval by the local ethic committee, seven right handed volunteers were examined performing a motor paradigm (right and left hand finger tapping: 10/10 images baseline/activation; TR=2000ms, TE= 29ms [3T] / 20ms [7T], 64x64x31 [3T] or 64x64x16 [7T]). First, 40 images ([5 baseline, 5 right tapping, 5 left tapping]*2) served to extract the localization (ROIs) of the activation in the left and right motor-cortex. In the following real-time measurement, the software performed a statistical analysis in the pre-selected ROIs while measurements were ongoing. Then, the software classified automatically and successfully which hand was moved. Results were displayed to both experimenter and volunteer in real-time.

Conclusion: Requiring about 1s for the data analysis, our approach is limited only by the hemodynamic response function. Additionally, the concept allows for an unsupervised activation-dependent adaptation of stimulus and measurement process enabling new dynamic real-time paradigms.


References

1.
Weiskopf N, et al. JPhys, 2004. 98:357–373.
2.
Yoo SS, et al. Neuroreport, 2004. 15:1591–1595
3.
Posse S, et al. Neuroimage, 2003. 18:760–768
4.
http://www.w3.org/XML/. Date 2006-09-14 Externer Link