Comparative Assessment of T1w, T2w, and Combined T1w/T2w MRI Images for Perivascular Space Measurement

Motivation: Perivascular spaces (PVS) are linked to various neurological disorders, but the desired T1w/T2w MRI is not routinely acquired in clinical imaging. Goal(s): This study evaluates T1- or T2-weighted (T1w and T2w) imaging for PVS measurement compared with the T1w/T2w method. Approach: Using 198 pediatric and 878 subjects from HCP, we compared PVS volumes obtained from T1w or T2w with those from the T1w/T2w method. Results: Coefficients of determination (R²) were 0.89-0.94 and 0.98 for T1w and T2w relative to T1w/T2w, respectively. Higher PVS volumes in males were detected and similar repeatability was achieved with all three methods. Impact: T1w and T2w methods are precise and highly correlated with preferred combined 3D T1w/T2w method for measuring perivascular spaces (PVS) suggesting that clinical MRI protocols with T1w or T2w imaging can have broader applications in neurological research for PVS assessment.