Differential Tractography for Neurodegeneration Detection

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Solution Overview

Problem

Current methods for detecting neurodegeneration in the brain, such as diffusion MRI tractography, are limited in their ability to accurately identify and quantify affected fiber pathways, particularly in early stages of neurodegenerative disorders, and lack sensitivity to subtle changes in anisotropic diffusion.

Innovation Solution

The development of differential tractography, which utilizes advanced MRI acquisitions to track segments of pathways with decreased anisotropic diffusion and combines this with a sham setting for statistical estimation of predictive value, allowing for enhanced identification and quantification of neurodegeneration.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Measurement precision

If conventional DTI fiber tracking is used to detect neurodegeneration, then the method is simple to implement, but it lacks sensitivity to early neurodegeneration and cannot reveal subtle changes in anisotropic diffusion

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvesensitivity to neurodegenerationVSAvoidcomplexity of tractography method

Core Design Contradiction:

Measurement precisionVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent changes the parameter being measured from standard diffusion metrics to anisotropic diffusion properties. By focusing specifically on anisotropic diffusion changes rather than general diffusion, the method achieves higher sensitivity to early neurodegeneration while maintaining a manageable complexity level through targeted measurement rather than comprehensive analysis.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

Solution Approach 2:

The patent applies local quality by examining specific segments of fiber pathways where neurodegeneration occurs rather than analyzing entire tracts uniformly. This allows the method to detect subtle local changes in anisotropic diffusion that indicate early neurodegeneration, improving measurement precision without requiring overly complex global analysis.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #3Local quality

2Measurement precision

If DTI tractography is used to identify affected fiber pathways, then the method provides general tractography visualization, but it cannot accurately specify the exact segments with neurodegeneration

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveaccuracy of neurodegeneration localizationVSAvoiddifficulty of detecting subtle diffusion changes

Core Design Contradiction:

Measurement precisionVSDifficulty of detecting and measuring

Solution Approach 1:

The patent uses color coding to visualize changes in anisotropic diffusion along fiber pathways. By representing different levels of anisotropic diffusion change with different colors, the method makes subtle changes visually detectable and accurately localizes exact segments with neurodegeneration, improving measurement precision while reducing the difficulty of detection.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #32Color changes

3Reliability

If conventional tractography methods are used, then the analysis is computationally efficient, but the positive predictive value of findings is low due to inability to distinguish true neurodegeneration from normal variation

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvepositive predictive valueVSAvoidcomplexity of differential analysis

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent implements feedback by comparing individual patient anisotropic diffusion measurements against established norms or control groups. This feedback mechanism allows the system to distinguish true neurodegeneration from normal variation, significantly improving positive predictive value. The computational complexity is managed by using reference databases and automated comparison algorithms.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #23Feedback

Applied Scientific Principles

This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.

Function Achieved in This Case

Differential tractography effectively reveals the location and severity of neurodegeneration at various stages, matching clinical symptoms and disease severity with a high estimated positive predictive value of 97%, enabling diagnostic, prognostic evaluation, and treatment response assessment.

Implementation Method 1

diffusion magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) scan

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectDiffusion: Diffusion

Implementation Method 2

anisotropy is measured using an anisotropic spin distribution function and is a value of spin density of restricted anisotropic diffusion

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectAnisotropic diffusion: Anisotropy

Data Source

PatentUS11523767B2System, method, and computer program product for detecting neurodegeneration using differential tractography

Publication Date: 2022.12.13 UNIV OF PITTSBURGH OF THE COMMONWEALTH SYST OF HIGHER EDUCATION

AI summary

Described are a system, method, and computer program product for detecting neurodegeneration using differential tractography and treating neurological disorders accordingly. The method includes obtaining a first diffusion magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) scan of the brain of the patient and obtaining a plurality of diffusion MRI scans of a group of other brains. The method also includes generating a control diffusion MRI scan based on the plurality of diffusion MRI scans of the group of other brains. The method further includes determining a first anisotropy of first neural tracks of the first diffusion MRI scan and a second anisotropy of second neural tracks of the control diffusion MRI scan. The method further includes determining a differential by comparing the first anisotropy to the second anisotropy and identifying at least one neurological disorder based on the differential and a location of the first neural tracks in the brain of the patient.