A Faster Prostate MRI: Comparing a Novel Denoised, Single-Average T₂ Sequence to the Conventional Multiaverage T₂...

Area of Science:

• Radiology
• Medical Imaging
• Oncology

Background:

• Standard T2-weighted (T2-w) sequences in prostate MRI are time-intensive due to the need for multiple signal averages to ensure image quality.
• This time requirement can impact patient comfort and throughput in clinical settings.

Purpose of the Study:

• To evaluate if a denoised, single-average T2-weighted sequence (T2-R) is non-inferior to the conventional multiaverage T2-weighted sequence (T2-S).
• The study aimed to compare lesion detection and Prostate Imaging-Reporting and Data System (PI-RADS) score assessment between the two T2-w sequences.

Main Methods:

• A retrospective analysis of 45 male patients (age 60-75) undergoing prostate MRI was conducted.
• T2-R images were generated from raw data using iterative denoising on a single average, while T2-S used standard multiple averages.
• Nine readers assessed lesion detection and PI-RADS scores, with subsequent side-by-side comparison for subjective preference and image quality evaluation.

Main Results:

• No significant difference was observed in the identification of lesions with PI-RADS ≥3 (P=0.10) or in PI-RADS scoring (P=0.77) between T2-R and T2-S sequences.
• Reader agreement for lesion identification was excellent (ICC=0.84).
• Overall preference for image quality (P=0.07) and sequence preference (ICC=0.62) showed no significant difference, indicating comparable performance.

Conclusions:

• The denoised, single-average T2-weighted sequence (T2-R) is non-inferior to the standard multiaverage T2-weighted sequence (T2-S) for prostate cancer lesion detection and PI-RADS scoring.
• This optimized T2-w sequence offers a potential for reducing MRI scan times without compromising diagnostic efficacy.
• The findings support the clinical utility of accelerated T2-w imaging in prostate MRI protocols.