One size does not fit all: qualitative vs. quantitative arterial spin labelling MRI assessment

Excerpt

MRI has been an essential diagnostic and monitoring tool in healthcare by providing detailed anatomical and functional information in normal and pathological states. Initially developed as a qualitative imaging technique, recent advancement in MR image acquisition and processing techniques has allowed quantitative image assessment that provides the exact estimates of tissue properties, such as blood flow, relaxation properties (T1, T2, T2*), and electrical conductivity [1‐3]. Many studies have shown the potential of these quantitative estimates in precise biomarker identification, disease quantification, and treatment response monitoring. For instance, radiomic texture features have been reported to accurately predict tumor molecular subtypes and overall survival [4]. Similarly, multiple sclerosis plaque load has been shown to identify the disease progression and treatment response monitoring [5]. Additional benefits of quantitative image assessment are its requirement of less radiologists and clinicians’ expertise than qualitative means of assessment and the provision of measures that can be compared across subjects and between different time points in the same subject. …