The Haskins pediatric atlas: a magnetic-resonance-imaging-based pediatric template and atlas

Background Spatial normalization plays an essential role in multi-subject MRI and functional MRI (fMRI) experiments by facilitating a common space in which group analyses are performed. Although many prominent adult templates are available, their use for pediatric data is problematic. Generalized templates for pediatric populations are limited or constructed using older methods that result in less ideal normalization. Objective The Haskins pediatric templates and atlases aim to provide superior registration and more precise accuracy in labeling of anatomical and functional regions essential for all fMRI studies involving pediatric populations. Materials and methods The Haskins pediatric templates and atlases were generated with nonlinear methods using structural MRI from 72 children (age range 7–14 years, median 10 years), allowing for a detailed template with corresponding parcellations of labeled atlas regions. The accuracy of these templates and atlases was assessed using multiple metrics of deformation distance and overlap. Results When comparing the deformation distances from normalizing pediatric data between this template and both the adult templates and other pediatric templates, we found significantly less deformation distance for the Haskins pediatric template ( P <0.0001). Further, the correct atlas classification was higher using the Haskins pediatric template in 74% of regions ( P <0.0001). Conclusion The Haskins pediatric template results in more accurate correspondence across subjects because of lower deformation distances. This correspondence also provides better accuracy in atlas locations to benefit structural and functional imaging analyses of pediatric populations.