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Deep Learning-Enhanced Accelerated 2D TSE and 3D Superresolution Dixon TSE for Rapid Comprehensive Knee Joint
Céline Smekens1, Quinten Beirinckx, Frederik Bosmans
1From the imec-Vision Lab, Department of Physics, University of Antwerp, Antwerp, Belgium (C.S., Q.B., J.S., B.J.); Siemens Healthcare NV/SA, Groot-Bijgaarden, Belgium (C.S., T.J.); Department of Radiology, Antwerp University Hospital, Antwerp, Belgium (F.B., F.V., A.S., P.V.D.); and MIRA, Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, University of Antwerp, Antwerp, Belgium (A.S., P.V.D.).
Deep learning (DL) enhanced 4-fold accelerated 2D TSE MRI offers similar image quality and diagnostic performance to standard protocols. DL-enhanced 3D SRR knee MRI is feasible, enabling a 44% faster examination with comparable diagnostic performance.
Area of Science:
- Radiology
- Medical Imaging
- Artificial Intelligence in Medicine
Background:
- Conventional 2-fold accelerated 2D TSE knee MRI protocols are time-consuming.
- Deep learning (DL) reconstruction techniques offer potential for accelerated MRI acquisition.
- Evaluating DL-enhanced protocols is crucial for improving MRI efficiency and diagnostic capabilities.
Purpose of the Study:
- To assess a DL-reconstructed 4-fold accelerated 2D TSE protocol for knee MRI.
- To evaluate the feasibility of 3D superresolution reconstruction (SRR) of DL-enhanced 6-fold accelerated 2D Dixon TSE MRI.
- To compare image quality and diagnostic performance against a conventional 2-fold accelerated 2D TSE protocol.
Main Methods:
- Prospective study with 19 symptomatic adults undergoing knee MRI on a 3 T scanner.
- Comparison of three protocols: standard 2-fold accelerated 2D TSE, DL-reconstructed 4-fold accelerated 2D TSE, and 3D SRR DL-enhanced 6-fold accelerated 2D Dixon TSE MRI.
- Image quality, anatomical visibility, and diagnostic confidence assessed by three readers; internal derangements recorded; statistical analysis using nonparametric tests and kappa statistics.
Main Results:
- DL-enhanced 4-fold accelerated 2D TSE showed image quality and anatomical visibility comparable to the standard protocol.
- 3D SRR Dixon TSE protocol had lower image quality due to artifacts but comparable diagnostic performance to standard 2D TSE.
- Both DL protocols reduced total acquisition time by 44% compared to the conventional protocol.
- Interreader and intrareader agreement for internal knee derangements was substantial to almost perfect across all protocols.
Conclusions:
- DL-enhanced 4-fold accelerated 2D TSE MRI provides comparable image quality and diagnostic performance to standard protocols.
- 3D SRR of DL-enhanced 6-fold accelerated 2D Dixon TSE MRI is feasible for multicontrast 3D knee MRI.
- Artifacts in 3D SRR Dixon TSE require further investigation for reliable assessment of cartilage, tendons, and bone.
- DL-enhanced protocols significantly reduce scan time, paving the way for more efficient knee MRI.
