Discrete white matter hyperintensity (WMH) growth quantification is superior to measurements of total longitudinal WMH volume change: implications for clinical trials in VCID

Small vessel ischemic disease (SVID) is a major risk factor for late‐life cognitive impairment and dementia (VCID). White matter hyperintensities (WMH) are a SVID biomarker that can be detected on MRI FLAIR imaging. Prior studies show dynamic change in WMH volumes that increase and decrease within subjects over time. We reported a method to quantify discrete WMH volume growth and regression in individuals over one‐year with instrumental validation performed within the MarkVCID consortium. The present study provides preliminary evidence for the clinical relevance of this methodology.