Review: QSM-concepts and applications

SWI vs. QSM

SWI : visualization of the venous vascular network of the human brain in unprecedented detail 

QSM : estimate oxygen saturation directly in the venous blood vessels 

QSM—representing the quantitative extension of SWI— provides quantitative information about magnetic susceptibility distributions in various brain regions, thereby offering unique and specific insight into disease development and progression in patients.

QSM only able to quantify magnetic susceptibility in relation to a (mostly internally chosen) reference value rather than in absolute terms, it nevertheless offers a unique opportunity to correlate susceptibility values with clinical conditions and treatment outcomes.