Population-specific brain [18F]-FDG PET templates of Chinese subjects for statistical parametric mapping

Statistical Parametric Mapping (SPM) is a computational approach for analysing functional brain images like Positron Emission Tomography (PET). When performing SPM analysis for different patient populations, brain PET template images representing population-specific brain morphometry and metabolism features are helpful. However, most currently available brain PET templates were constructed using the Caucasian data. To enrich the family of publicly available brain PET templates, we created Chinese-specific template images based on 116 [F-18]-fluorodeoxyglucose ([F-18]-FDG) PET images of normal participants. These images were warped into a common averaged space, in which the mean and standard deviation templates were both computed. We also developed the SPM analysis programmes to facilitate easy use of the templates. Our templates were validated through the SPM analysis of Alzheimer's and Parkinson's patient images. The resultant SPM t-maps accurately depicted the disease-related brain regions with abnormal [F-18]-FDG uptake, proving the templates' effectiveness in brain function impairment analysis.

Automated summary

The study enriched the family of publicly available brain PET templates by developing Chinese-specific template images based on [F-18]-FDG PET images of normal participants. The templates were validated through SPM analysis of Alzheimer's and Parkinson's patient images, accurately depicting disease-related brain regions with abnormal [F-18]-FDG uptake. The SPM analysis programmes developed also facilitated easy use of the templates, proving their effectiveness in brain function impairment analysis.