Comparative analysis of fractal dimensions of human cerebellum: impact of image preprocessing and fractal analysis methods

Abstract

The aim: To compare the values of the fractal dimensions of human cerebellum obtained using different algorithms of image preprocessing and different methods of fractal analysis. Materials and methods: The study involved 120 people without structural changes in the brain (age 18-86 years, 55 men and 65 women). T1- and T2-weighted MR brain images were studied. Fractal analysis was performed using box counting and pixel dilatation methods. Fractal dimensions of cerebellar tissue as a whole, cerebellar cortex and its individual layers, cerebellar white matter were measured and compared to each other and to fractal dimension of cerebellar white matter determined in cadaveric cerebella. Results: It was no significant difference between fractal dimension values of cerebellar tissue as a whole measured on T1 and T2 weighted magnetic resonance images of cerebellum, and fractal dimension values measured on the same images using different methods of fractal analysis – pixel dilatation and box counting. T2 weighted images are preferable for fractal analysis of different components of cerebellar tissue. Segmentation according to pixel luminance is the preferable image preprocessing method for fractal analysis of cerebellar cortex as a whole, individual cortical layers and cerebellar tissue as a whole; skeletonizing of cerebellar magnetic resonance images is the preferable method of the image preprocessing for fractal analysis of cerebellar white matter. Conclusions: The algorithm of image preprocessing, magnetic resonance imaging sequence and method of fractal analysis should be chosen according to aim of quantitative study of cerebellar magnetic resonance images and features of the studied structure of cerebellum.