Improved PVS Segmentation using T1-weighted Image: Comparison with T2-weighted Image-Based Segmentation

Motivation: In general, 3D T2 is more sensitive than 3D T1 in quantitatively assessing MR-visible perivascular space in the whole brain. However, in clinical practice, it is common to have 3D T1 but not 3D T2. Goal(s): In this study, we introduce an improved method for PVS quantification using 3D T1 alone. Approach: We used a cascaded model to sequentially improve perivascular space visibility and segmentation accuracy using 3D T1 alone. Results: The result of the proposed method, using the T1w approach, demonstrates high similarity to the results obtained with only T2w data. Impact: This study introduces a method to segment perivascular spaces using T1-weighted images when T2-weighted images are not available. The method involves cascaded models and shows the potential for results similar to T2w-based segmentation.