Cross vendors test-retest validation of diffusion tensor image analysis along the perivascular space for evaluating glymphatic system function

The diffusion tensor image analysis along the perivascular space (DTI-ALPS) method was proposed to evaluate glymphatic system (GS) function. However, few studies validate its reliability and reproducibility. 50 participants’ DTI data from the MarkVICD consortium were recruited in this study. Two pipelines by using DSI studio and FSL software were developed for data processing and ALPS-index calculation. The mean ALPS-index was obtained by the average of bilateral ALPS-index and was used for testing the cross vendors test-retest reliability by using R studio. Mean ALPS-index demonstrated favorable inter-scanner reproducibility, inter-rater reliability and test-retest repeatability, offering a potential biomarker for GS function.