UltraCortex: Submillimeter Ultra-High Field 9.4 T Brain MR Image Collection and Manual Cortical Segmentations

TL;DR

UltraCortex provides a unique collection of ultra-high field 9.4 T brain MRI data with validated segmentations, supporting advanced neuroimaging research beyond existing 7 T repositories.

Contribution

This paper introduces the UltraCortex repository, offering high-resolution 9.4 T MRI data and expert-validated cortical segmentations, filling a gap in ultra-high field neuroimaging resources.

Findings

Contains 86 high-resolution MR images

Includes validated gray and white matter segmentations

Fills a gap in ultra-high field imaging data

Abstract

The UltraCortex repository (https://www.ultracortex.org) houses magnetic resonance imaging data of the human brain obtained at an ultra-high field strength of 9.4 T. It contains 86 structural MR images with spatial resolutions ranging from 0.6 to 0.8 mm. Additionally, the repository includes segmentations of 12 brains into gray and white matter compartments. These segmentations have been independently validated by two expert neuroradiologists, thus establishing them as a reliable gold standard. This resource provides researchers with access to high-quality brain imaging data and validated segmentations, facilitating neuroimaging studies and advancing our understanding of brain structure and function. Existing repositories do not accommodate field strengths beyond 7 T, nor do they offer validated segmentations, underscoring the significance of this new resource.