Accuracy of response function estimation algorithms for 3-tissue spherical deconvolution of diverse quality diffusion MRI data

Multi-shell multi-tissue constrained spherical deconvolution (MSMT-CSD) and single-shell 3-tissue CSD (SS3T-CSD) resolve white matter (WM) fibre orientation distributions and grey matter (GM) and CSF tissue compartments by deconvolving WM, GM and CSF response functions from the diffusion MRI data. To estimate these response functions from the data itself, a T1-based method was originally proposed. Recently, an unsupervised DWI-based method that doesn't rely on a co-registered T1-weighted image was also introduced. We evaluated the performance of both methods on high-quality HCP-data and clinical-quality single-shell data of an elderly patient with extensive lesions. The DWI-based method was more accurate in both scenarios.