Did you know? State-of-the-art preprocessing diffusion MRI data can improve tractography

TL;DR

Advanced preprocessing of diffusion MRI data improves the accuracy and reliability of brain tractography.

Contribution

The paper synthesizes evidence that state-of-the-art preprocessing enhances tractography outcomes compared to minimal processing.

Findings

Best-practice preprocessing improves anatomical fidelity and reproducibility in tractography.

Integrated pipelines implementing modern preprocessing methods are publicly available.

Modern processing benefits are maximized with proper acquisition and data-handling practices.

Abstract

Diffusion MRI fiber tractography is sensitive to noise and artifacts in diffusion-weighted images, and these challenges can propagate into fiber-orientation estimation and the tractography process. In this “Did You Know” communication, we synthesize evidence that state-of-the-art preprocessing improves tractography anatomical fidelity and test-retest reproducibility compared to minimally processed data. We summarize best-practice preprocessing – including denoising, motion and eddy current correction, EPI distortion correction, and Gibbs ringing removal – along with additional and emerging steps, and highlight integrated, publicly available pipelines that implement these methods in standardized, containerized workflows. We also outline practical acquisition and data-handling considerations that maximize the benefits of modern processing, providing a foundation for reliable tractography-based studies of the brain.

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