Delta - Radiomics in a longitudinal study - Standardization

[RADIOMICS LEARNER]

Hi..

I am working on longitudinal brain images in a pediatric population to analysis change in texture in different parts of the brain.

These scans at later time points are registered with the initial scan to enable the selection of the same ROI. Registration performed is affine followed by BSplien to compensate for several brain changes.

What is the best way to justify the changes in texture features over specific areas of brain are due to radiation ( which I am studying) and not due to resampling done during registration / filtration/ processing etc?

Can have an area as a control in non-irradiated part help? or is there any better way to justify this?

Thanks.

Kind Regards

RL