4D Statistical Atlas from Multimodal Tongue MR Images

描述（由申请人提供）：舌头是身体的门户，对进食、说话和呼吸至关重要。它的功能会受到疾病和治疗的影响，比如舌癌的手术或放疗。了解舌头结构与功能之间关系的关键是分析舌头局部区域的运动变化并将其映射到解剖学上。使用三种类型的磁共振（MR）图像（即高分辨率，电影和标签）为探索正常和患病的舌头行为提供了新的和增强的能力，提高了我们对各种语言相关疾病的认识。MR图像的定量测量，如组织压缩、扩张、主应变和肌肉力学，在描述舌头的正常和异常运动方面起着至关重要的作用。然而，目前该领域面临的关键障碍是缺乏准确、可重复和全自动定量的工具

DESCRIPTION (provided by applicant): The tongue is the gateway to the body and is critical in eating, speaking, and breathing. Its function is compromised by disease and also by treatment, such as surgery or radiation for tongue cancer. A key to understanding the relationship between the structure and function of the tongue is to analyze motion changes in localized tongue regions and map them to anatomy. The use of three types of magnetic resonance (MR) images (i.e., high-resolution, cine, and tag) offers new and enhanced capabilities for exploring normal and diseased tongue behavior, advancing our knowledge on a wide variety of speech-related disorders. Quantitative measures derived from MR images, such as tissue compression, expansion, principle strain, and muscle mechanics play a crucial role to characterize normal and abnormal motion of the tongue. However, the critical hurdle currently faced in this field is a lack of tools for accurate, reproducible, and fully automated quantitative characterization of 4D (3D space with time) tongue motion in a normalized space in order to compare and contrast subjects despite their variable tongue sizes, shapes, and motion patterns. A powerful way to measure changes and compromises in tongue structure and function is via a 4D statistical atlas and associated image analysis techniques. Atlases integrate diverse imaging information for individuals and groups, by correlating images with quantitative measurements, and constructing diagnostic tools. The proposed study examines structural and functional changes in the tongues of post- glossectomy patients. In future, this atlas can be applied to any normal or disordered population. The K99 Mentored Phase allows me to transition to a career that studies tongue anatomy, speech science, and vocal tract-related disorders. In addition, I will execute Aim 1: to develop an MRI registration framework and an interactive visualization tool for tongue image analysis using multiple MRI methods. In the R00 Independent Phase, I will pursue Aim 2: to establish a 4D statistical atlas of the tongue that represents the relationship between tongue motion, mechanics, and speech, and Aim 3: to assess the effects of tongue cancer surgery on tongue tip, blade, and body interaction. A mentoring committee has been assembled to guide the research in the K99 phase and facilitate my training. Dr. Stone, who is an expert in speech science and imaging, will provide primary mentorship and guidance in the overall study design. Co- mentor, Dr. Prince, is a world expert in MR image analysis. He will guide me in image analysis. The opportunities provided by this award will not only allow me to pursue potentially ground-breaking research, but will also provide me with valuable mentorship and training for my career as an independent investigator.