Analysis of four cortical parcellation protocols

Software packages for cortical parcellation generally combine tools which segment the brain into various regions, or volumes, and provide corresponding measurements, or morphometrics. The results are used for volumetric, region-of-interest (ROI) and connectivity analysis, offering a better understanding of these volumes in the population(s) under investigation. It is therefore crucial to understand how these regions are defined, or the segmentation protocol of a package, as this has significant implications on the analysis that follows. Most segmentation protocols consist of a cortical parcellation protocol as well as a subcortical segmentation protocol. Here we focus on the cortical parcellation protocols of 4 software packages- BrainGyrusMapping, FreeSurfer, BrainSuite and BrainVISA- and have identified differences between them with regards to variability handling, as well as inconsistency in gyral border definitions, and limited reference population details. We therefore recommend serious consideration of these aspects while identifying the suitable package.

Mikhael, Shadia. (2016). Analysis of 4 Cortical Parcellation Protocols, [image]. University of Edinburgh. Centre for Clinical Brain Sciences. http://dx.doi.org/10.7488/ds/1576.