Color Maps: Facilitating the Clinical Impact of Quantitative MRI

Area of Science:

• Medical Imaging
• Data Visualization
• Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI)

Background:

• Quantitative data in MRI is often presented using color maps.
• Non-standardized color maps can lead to misinterpretation of crucial clinical data.
• There is a need for standardized and clinically meaningful color map practices.

Purpose of the Study:

• To review the current use of color maps in key quantitative MRI techniques.
• To identify shortcomings in current color map practices.
• To emphasize the importance of desirable features for clinically meaningful color maps.

Main Methods:

• Review of color map application in relaxometry, diffusion-weighted imaging (DWI), dynamic contrast-enhanced (DCE)-MRI, MR elastography (MRE), and water-fat MRI.
• Analysis of current display practices against desirable features.
• Evaluation of color map uniformity, contrast, readability for color vision impairment, and recognizability.

Main Results:

• Current practices in quantitative MRI often employ non-standardized color maps.
• Shortcomings were identified regarding uniformity, contrast, and inclusivity for color vision-impaired individuals.
• Existing color maps may not intuitively or inclusively represent data.

Conclusions:

• Clinically meaningful color maps are essential for accurate MRI data interpretation.
• Standardization of color maps with features like uniform gradients and high contrast is critical.
• Improved color map design is necessary for all users, including those with color vision impairments.