Exploration of scanning effects in multi-site structural MRI studies

Jiayu Chen, Jingyu Liu, Vince D. Calhoun, Alejandro Arias-Vasquez, Marcel P. Zwiers, Cota Navin Gupta, Barbara Franke, Jessica A. Turner

Research output: Contribution to journalArticlepeer-review

51 Scopus citations

Abstract

Background: Pooling of multi-site MRI data is often necessary when a large cohort is desired. However, different scanning platforms can introduce systematic differences which confound true effects of interest. One may reduce multi-site bias by calibrating pivotal scanning parameters, or include them as covariates to improve the data integrity. New method: In the present study we use a source-based morphometry (SBM) model to explore scanning effects in multi-site sMRI studies and develop a data-driven correction. Specifically, independent components are extracted from the data and investigated for associations with scanning parameters to assess the influence. The identified scanning-related components can be eliminated from the original data for correction. Results: A small set of SBM components captured most of the variance associated with the scanning differences. In a dataset of 1460 healthy subjects, pronounced and independent scanning effects were observed in brainstem and thalamus, associated with magnetic field strength-inversion time and RF-receiving coil. A second study with 110 schizophrenia patients and 124 healthy controls demonstrated that scanning effects can be effectively corrected with the SBM approach. Comparison with existing method(s): Both SBM and GLM correction appeared to effectively eliminate the scanning effects. Meanwhile, the SBM-corrected data yielded a more significant patient versus control group difference and less questionable findings. Conclusions: It is important to calibrate scanning settings and completely examine individual parameters for the control of confounding effects in multi-site sMRI studies. Both GLM and SBM correction can reduce scanning effects, though SBM's data-driven nature provides additional flexibility and is better able to handle collinear effects.

Original languageEnglish (US)
Pages (from-to)37-50
Number of pages14
JournalJournal of Neuroscience Methods
Volume230
DOIs
StatePublished - Jun 15 2014
Externally publishedYes

Keywords

  • ICA
  • Multi-site
  • Multivariate
  • SBM
  • SMRI

ASJC Scopus subject areas

  • General Neuroscience

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