The evaluation of white matter lesion with 3D-T1 weighted imaging for predicting dementia

Motivation: Evaluating cognitive function-related white matter lesions (WML) conventionally requires 3D fluid attenuated inversion recovery (3D-FLAIR), which isn't always available. We aimed to explore the suitability of routinely acquired 3D-T1 weighted images (3D-T1WI) for WML assessment. Goal(s): This study investigated whether 3D-T1WI could replace 3D-FLAIR in WML assessment. Approach: We compared the correlation coefficient, ICC, and DSC of WML volume between 3D-FLAIR and 3D-T1WI, as well as its correlation with cognitive scores. Results: WML based on 3D-T1WI strongly correlated with WML based on 3D-FLAIR, with high ICC, DSC, and cognitive score associations, indicating the potential of 3D-T1WI for WML assessment alternative to 3D-FLAIR. Impact: White matter lesions (WML) based on 3D-T1 weighted images (3D-T1WI) closely matched 3D-fluid attenuated inversion recovery (3D-FLAIR) in WML area, volume, and cognitive function associations. It is suggested 3D-T1WI is valuable alternative to 3D-FLAIR for WML volume assessment.