Synopsis

Quantitative Susceptibility Mapping (QSM) calculates the tissue magnetic susceptibility map from the phase of gradient-echo MRI acquisitions. It provides new and complementary information to the magnitude at no extra cost of scanning time. However, implementing and optimising a suitable acquisition protocol and QSM processing pipeline is not trivial in practice. Here I discuss the practical aspects of performing QSM in clinical studies in and outside of the brain. I highlight common pitfalls and provide technical recommendations for beginners. Finally, I also discuss my outlook on the potential role of QSM in clinical practice.