A Unique Analytical Solution of the White Matter Standard Model using Linear and Planar Encodings

TL;DR

This paper proves that combining linear and planar diffusion encodings in MRI can uniquely determine the parameters of a three-compartment white matter model, improving tissue microstructure analysis.

Contribution

It provides a constructive proof that a specific combination of diffusion encodings fully resolves the white matter compartmental diffusivities.

Findings

Linear and planar encodings suffice for unique parameter determination.

Traditional single-direction encodings are insufficient.

The method enhances understanding of white matter microstructure.

Abstract

Diffusion-weighted magnetic resonance imaging in brain white matter probes tissue microstructure and allows for the estimation of compartmental diffusion parameters. Recently, it became apparent that traditional single-direction diffusion encodings are not fully sufficient to resolve the white matter compartmental diffusivities. Multiple diffusion encodings have been suggested to make the problem less ambiguous, however, it still remained unclear whether such protocols would completely solve the problem. Here, we constructively prove that a combination of linear and planar diffusion encodings is enough to determine the parameters of the three compartment white matter model.