Quality control of quantitative diffusion-weighted magnetic resonance imaging: metrological problems

Quantitative magnetic resonance imaging is a modern method used to detect pathological changes in the patient’s tissues. However, images with quantitative characteristics are not widely used due to the limitation in accuracy and reproducibility of the measured values. The objective of this study is to formulate the metrological problem of quantitative magnetic resonance imaging and to ensure the reliability of research based on the analysis of practical approaches to quality control of diffusion-weighted magnetic resonance imaging. The use of phantoms as means to ensure quality control of certain parameters of quantitative magnetic resonance imaging was analyzed. The importance of validation was noted, and metrics used to control the quality of quantitative magnetic resonance imaging were highlighted. In addition, examples of clinical studies using diffusion-weighted magnetic resonance imaging were provided. It was found that accurate calibration and testing of magnetic resonance imaging scanners, as well as verification of image analysis tools are necessary to enable the use of quantitative magnetic resonance imaging data in clinical practice.