Detecting Restriction Using Non-Parametric Modelling of Diffusion MR Data

Saad Jbabdi¹, Karla Laureen Miller¹, Adrian R. Groves

There is a growing interest in biophysical mechanisms for the diffusion contrast, with the exciting perspective of quantifying brain tissue microstructure (e.g. axon size and density). In particular, modelling restriction effects in the signal allows us to estimate the size of restricting structures. It is not clear, however, to what extent the signal acquired in vivo is sensitive to restriction. We suggest a non-parametric approach (no biophysical model assumed) to quantify restriction effects in the diffusion data. This method can be used either as a diagnostic tool or for experimental design.