Working Group:SYNAPSE

SYNAPSE Working Group (work in progress)

SYstemic Neuroimmunology MRI: Protocols, Standards & Evidence

(title and acronym is work in progress)

Scope

SYNAPSE is an open, member-driven working group focused on MRI for **neuroimmunological diseases** including **MS, NMOSD, MOGAD, and Susac syndrome**. Our aims are to (1) define clinical needs, (2) harmonize **multicentre** protocols and QC, (3) advance **contrast-free/safety-minded** MRI, and (4) promote reproducible analysis and data sharing.

Origin

This group emerged from the MIS discussion: How_can_MRI_overcome_challenges_in_multiple_sclerosis.

Conveners

• Sonia Waiczies (MDC Berlin-Buch) – contact: sonia.waiczies@mdc-berlin.de
• Myrte Strik (Spinoza Center, Amsterdam)
• Friedemann Paul (Charité – Universitätsmedizin Berlin)
• .....
• (To add)

Participation

Open to clinicians, physicists, data scientists, and industry collaborators. To join, add your name below and/or email the conveners.

Members

• Name (Affiliation) – focus/interests
• Name (Affiliation) – focus/interests

Work Packages

still under construction

WP1 – Clinical needs & endpoints

Define use-cases across MS, NMOSD, MOGAD, Susac; propose measurable MRI endpoints.

WP2 – Acquisition & harmonization

Standardization, guideline preparation, preparation and publication of simple vendor-agnostic protocols (field strengths, sequences), phantom/QC.

WP3 – Analysis & reproducibility

Pipelines, containers, benchmarking datasets, reporting standards.

Deliverables & Timeline

• **M1–M3:** Charter + member list + initial protocol draft
• **M4–M6:** Consensus note (v1) + shared repository (protocols/QC/templates)
• **M6–M12:** Multicentre pilot + benchmark results + session/BoF proposal for ESMRMB

Meeting Rhythm

• **Kick-off call:** Month YYYY (virtual, 60–75 min)
• **Quarterly calls:** progress & decisions
• **Annual** in-person touchpoint at ESMRMB (BoF/Workshop)

Resources

• MIS page: How_can_MRI_overcome_challenges_in_multiple_sclerosis
• Shared repo/drive: (link to be added)
• Submission templates: (abstract/protocol/QC forms – to be added)
• Upload figures/files via Special:Upload and include with

  File:YourFile.png

  Caption

  .

How to Contribute

1. Add yourself under Members and note interests.
2. Propose major edits on the Discussion tab.
3. Volunteer for a WP and suggest milestones.

Notes

Please follow the wiki’s Terms & Code of Conduct.