Neuroimaging standards for research into small vessel disease and its contribution to ageing and neurodegeneration

An international working group from the Centres of Excellence in Neurodegeneration completed a structured process to develop definitions and imaging standards for markers and consequences of SVD. Their aim was to achieve the following: first, to provide a common advisory about terms and definitions for features visible on MRI; second, to suggest minimum standards for image acquisition and analysis; third, to agree on standards for scientific reporting of changes related to SVD on neuroimaging; and fourth, to review emerging imaging methods for detection and quantification of preclinical manifestations of SVD. Their findings and recommendations apply to research studies, and can be used in the clinical setting to standardise image interpretation, acquisition, and reporting. This Position Paper summarises the main outcomes of this international effort to provide the STandards for ReportIng Vascular changes on nEuroimaging (STRIVE).

In 2023, an updated version of the STRIVE guidelines was published (STRIVE-2), highlighting advances since the original 2013 publication which take into account new information on established SVD markers and novel MRI sequences and imaging features that have emerged.