A semiautomatic tool for quantitative evaluation in 7T MR (magnetic resonance) images of the brain

The aim of this work is to develop a semi-automated procedure to measure the thickness of the stratum radiatum and lacunosum-moleculare (SRLM) of the hippocampus in 7T high-resolution T2*-weighted MR images of MCI (Mild Cognitive Impairment) patients. The goal consists in the investigation of the correlations of the SRLM thickness with the clinical scores of the patients, e.g. the Mini-Mental State Examination score and the Free and Cued Selective Reminding Test. The change in the thickness of the SRLM is supposed to have a role in the pathological cognitive decline, and recent studies highlighted the relevance of this thin subfield in the early stages of the mild Alzheimer’s Disease. The MCI, a cognitive decline greater than expected for age and education that can evolve to dementia, is an interesting transitional stage to investigate. Now, MRI at ultra high magnetic field (≥ 7 Tesla) allows the representation of anatomical structures at sub-millimeter resolution, so small structures such as hippocampus subfields become visible.