Quantification of Brain Functional Connectivity Deviations in Individuals: A Scoping Review of Functional MRI Studies

Functional connectivity magnetic resonance imaging (fcMRI) is a well-established technique for studying brain networks in both healthy and diseased individuals. However, no fcMRI-based biomarker has yet achieved clinical relevance. To establish better understanding of the state of the art in quantifying abnormal connectivity in comparison to a reference distribution, for potential use in individual patients, we have conducted a scoping review over 5672 entries from the last 10 years. We have located five publications proposing metrics of abnormal connectivity quantification, reported these metrics, formalized their computing methods, assessed their technology readiness and estimated their computational efficiency. Building upon our findings, we have discussed the metrics’ lesion data handling, region of interest level of detail and potential clinical use cases. We also proposed methodical and computational strategies for improvement of current and emerging abnormality quantification metrics in fcMRI research.