The Current State of Susceptibility-Weighted Imaging and Quantitative Susceptibility Mapping in Head Trauma

Abstract

Susceptibility-weighted imaging (SWI) is a MR imaging technique suited to detect structural and microstructural abnormalities in traumatic brain injury (TBI). This review article provide an insight in to the physics principles of SWI and its clinical application in unraveling the complex interaction of the biophysical mechanisms of head injury. Literature evidences support SWI as the most ideal sequence in detection of microbleeds, which is the "tip of the iceberg" biomarker of microvascular injuries. The review also detailed the emerging advance techniques of Quantitative susceptibility mapping (QSM) and artificial intelligence offer the ability to detect and follow the evolution of microbleeds in patient with chronic TBI. These new techniques offers a unique insight into the acute and chronic state of TBI.

Keywords: Artificial intelligence (AI); Concussion; Post-concussion syndrome (PCS); Quantitative susceptibility mapping (QSM); Susceptibility-weighted imaging (SWI); Traumatic brain injury (TBI).