Ultra-fast single-sequence magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) for lower back pain: diagnostic performance of a deep...

Conventional magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) protocols for lower back pain require multiple sequences and long acquisition times, challenging healthcare systems amid rising demand for lumbar spine imaging.

To assess the diagnostic performance of an abbreviated, deep learning-accelerated sagittal T2w Dixon single sequence protocol (Protocol_abb-DL) versus the standard lumbar spine MRI protocol (Protocol_std).

In this prospective, single-centre study, 30 patients (mean age: 48 ± 18.5 years; 67% female) with lower back pain (LBP) underwent a single MRI examination using both Protocol_std (sagittal T1w and T2w turbo spin-echo sequences) and Protocol_abb-DL. A senior radiologist (15 years experience) established the diagnostic reference standard using Protocol_std. Two independent readers (10 and 5 years' experience) evaluated the images at a segmental level for degenerative pathologies, including Modic changes, disc pathology, facet arthropathy, neuroforaminal stenosis, and Schmorl nodes. Diagnostic performance, confidence, interprotocol, and interobserver agreements were analysed.

Protocol_abb-DL reduced acquisition time by 80% at 1.5 Tesla (1:33 vs 7:43 minutes) and 84% at 3 Tesla (1:26 vs 8:43 minutes). Diagnostic performance was high, with sensitivities up to 100% [95% CI, 90.7-100.0] for Modic changes and 94.7% [95% CI, 87.1-98.5] for disc pathology, and specificities up to 100% [95% CI, 97.8-100.0] for Schmorl nodes. Diagnostic confidence was comparable between protocols (P > 0.05). Interprotocol agreement was excellent (κ: 0.84-1.00), and interobserver agreement for Protocol_abb-DL was substantial to excellent (κ: 0.67-0.93).

Protocol_abb-DL provides diagnostic performance comparable to Protocol_std for degenerative lumbar spine pathologies while reducing acquisition time by up to 84%.