Effect of acoustic noise reduction technology on image quality: a multivendor study

Area of Science:

• Radiology
• Medical Imaging
• Acoustics

Background:

• Brain magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) is a crucial diagnostic tool.
• Acoustic noise generated during MRI can be a significant patient comfort issue.
• Noise reduction technologies are being integrated into MRI scanners.

Purpose of the Study:

• To evaluate the impact of acoustic noise reduction technology on image quality across various pulse sequences in brain MRI.
• To determine the appropriate use of noise reduction technology in general-purpose brain MRI examinations.

Main Methods:

• Five common brain MRI pulse sequences were tested: turbo spin-echo T2-weighted imaging, T1-weighted fluid-attenuated inversion recovery (T1-FLAIR), T2-weighted fluid-attenuated inversion recovery (T2-FLAIR), diffusion-weighted imaging (DWI), and magnetic resonance angiography (MRA).
• These sequences were performed on healthy participants using MRI scanners from three different vendors equipped with acoustic noise reduction technology.
• Sound pressure levels and image quality were assessed for each sequence with and without noise reduction.

Main Results:

• Acoustic noise reduction technology successfully reduced sound pressure levels across all tested pulse sequences and vendors.
• Image quality was affected differently depending on the pulse sequence.
• T2-weighted imaging and T1-FLAIR showed minimal image quality degradation.
• T2-FLAIR, DWI, and MRA exhibited significant image quality degradation when noise reduction was applied.

Conclusions:

• Acoustic noise reduction technology can be beneficial for reducing MRI noise.
• Its application requires careful consideration due to potential adverse effects on image quality for specific pulse sequences.
• Clinicians should use acoustic noise reduction technology with caution, particularly for T2-FLAIR, DWI, and MRA sequences, to ensure diagnostic accuracy.