SNAC iQ-solutions™ Quantitative Brain MRI

Quantitative analysis of structural brain changes is now available to support the clinical evaluation of demyelinating and neurodegenerative conditions.

SNAC iQ-solutions™ Quantitative Brain MRI

Quantitative analysis of structural brain changes is now available to support the clinical evaluation of demyelinating and neurodegenerative conditions.

Key points

  • Quantitative analysis using iQ-solutions™ adds objective metrics to standard brain MRI, supporting assessment of lesion burden, brain volumes and longitudinal change where compatible prior imaging is available.
  • Supports radiologist interpretation and longitudinal assessment in the clinical context of multiple sclerosis, dementia and other neurodegenerative conditions.
  • Volumetric and lesion-based metrics provide quantitative data to inform clinical interpretation when considered alongside conventional MRI findings and clinical history.
  • There is no change to the referral process, with quantitative analysis using iQ-solutions™ initiated from a standard brain MRI request with relevant indications
  • Available at over 100 I-MED clinics nationally offering MRI

In neurological conditions where structural brain change may be clinically relevant, objective MRI quantification can assist radiologists and referrers by providing additional information about brain volume, lesion burden and change over time. 

Brain MRI at I-MED will now include advanced quantitative analysis using the iQ-solutions™ platform to support assessment and monitoring of subtle structural changes in the brain.

iQ-solutions™ is a medical imaging software platform listed on the Australian Register of Therapeutic Goods, ARTG 456068. It provides automatic annotation, visualisation and quantification of segmentable brain structures from standard brain MRI scans, including cross-sectional volume analysis and longitudinal volume change analysis where compatible prior imaging is available. These insights are delivered alongside the radiologist report and support clinical interpretation with objective quantitative data.

iQ-solutions is an AI-enabled platform that provides quantitative analysis from standard brain MRI scans, including lesion burden, brain volumes and changes over time. These insights are delivered alongside the radiologist report, enhancing clinical interpretation with objective, reproducible data.

In partnership with the Sydney Neuroimaging Analysis Centre (SNAC), the platform is available nationally across I-MED for patients undergoing brain MRI with relevant clinical indications.

What are the clinical applications for advanced brain imaging? keyboard_arrow_down

iQ-solutions™ consists of two distinct modules that support quantitative analysis for specific clinical contexts. The iQ-MS™ module supports MRI assessment in patients with demyelinating conditions such as multiple sclerosis, while the iQ-COG™ module supports volumetric brain MRI assessment in patients with cognitive decline. Analysis is provided alongside the radiologist’s report and offers objective quantitative metrics.

These measures complement expert radiologist interpretation and may support more informed assessment, referral and management decisions when considered in the broader clinical context.

Multiple sclerosis: Quantitative assessment and longitudinal monitoring

Managing multiple sclerosis and other demyelinating conditions requires careful assessment of lesion burden, interval radiological activity and treatment context over time.

With iQ-MS™, clinicians can access:

  • Objective quantification of white matter lesion burden
  • Normalised volumetric analysis of the brain
  • Longitudinal tracking of interval change using compatible prior imaging

These metrics provide quantitative data that support assessment of interval change and may assist radiologists and treating clinicians when reviewing disease activity in the broader clinical context.

Cognitive health: Volumetric assessment and longitudinal monitoring

In the evaluation of cognitive decline, assessment of regional brain volume can provide useful context when interpreted alongside clinical history, cognitive assessment and conventional MRI findings.

With iQ-COG™, volumetric MRI analysis provides:

  • Objective measurement of regional brain volumes
  • Comparison with age-matched normative data
  • Longitudinal comparison with prior imaging to quantify progressive atrophy

These metrics provide objective quantitative data that may assist clinicians and radiologists when interpreting atrophy patterns in the broader clinical context.

Who is quantitative brain imaging appropriate for? keyboard_arrow_down

Quantitative analysis using iQ-solutions™ is used in the assessment and monitoring of neurological conditions such as multiple sclerosis and neurodegenerative disease. 

In addition, a baseline iQ-COG™ analysis will be performed on all I-MED patients over the age of 65 undergoing Brain MRI imaging regardless of indication, providing an objective reference for future neurological health tracking.

How do I refer for quantitative analysis using iQ-solutions™ MRI? keyboard_arrow_down

A standard brain MRI referral is all that is required.

Quantitative analysis using iQ-Solutions is included when relevant clinical indications are specified in the request. No additional forms or specialised booking pathways are required. 

Examples of clinical indications which may undergo quantitative analysis with iQ-Solutions include

For iQ-MS:

  • Multiple sclerosis / MS
  • Demyelination
  • CIS or RIS
  • MS follow-up or surveillance

For iQ-COG:

  • Memory loss
  • Cognitive decline
  • Dementia
  • Mild cognitive impairment (MCI)
  • Alzheimer’s disease
  • Cognitive symptoms in Parkinson’s disease or parkinsonism
  • Cognitive symptoms in atypical parkinsonian or related movement disorder presentations

How does quantitative brain imaging work? keyboard_arrow_down

Quantitative analysis using iQ-solutions™ is integrated into existing clinical workflows. Prior to analysis, patient imaging is managed in accordance with applicable privacy, security and de-identification requirements. The summarised process is as follows:

  1. A standard brain MRI is requested with clinical details indicating neurodegenerative disease
  2. Imaging is performed using standard protocols
  3. SNAC iQ-solutions™ software generates quantitative analysis
  4. Analysis outputs are available in PACS alongside the radiologist report
  5. Clinicians receive the radiologist report with quantitative outputs where applicable

Where is quantitative analysis using iQ-solutions™ available? keyboard_arrow_down

Quantitative analysis using iQ-Solutions is available at I-MED MRI clinics nationally, including metropolitan and regional locations.

Disclaimer: Disclaimer: SNAC iQ-solutions™ is a medical imaging software platform listed on the Australian Register of Therapeutic Goods, ARTG 456068. It is intended for automatic annotation, visualisation and quantification of segmentable brain structures from brain MRI scans. Reports are provided as an adjunct to radiologist interpretation and should be considered within the broader clinical context. Availability applies to I-MED clinics offering MRI services