Super-resolution deep learning reconstruction to improve image quality of coronary CT angiography

To compare the objective and subjective image quality and diagnostic performance for coronary stenosis of normal-dose model-based iterative reconstruction and reduced-dose super-resolution deep learning reconstruction in coronary CT angiography.

This single-center retrospective study included 52 patients (mean age, 68 years ± 10 [SD]; 41 men) who underwent serial coronary CT angiography and subsequent invasive coronary angiography between January and November 2022. The first 25 patients were scanned with a standard dose using model-based iterative reconstruction. The last 27 patients were scanned with a reduced dose using super-resolution deep learning reconstruction. Per-patient objective and subjective image qualities were compared. Diagnostic performance of model-based iterative reconstruction and super-resolution deep learning reconstruction to diagnose significant stenosis on coronary angiography was compared per-vessel using receiver operating characteristics curve analysis.

The median tube current of super-resolution deep learning reconstruction was lower than that of model-based iterative reconstruction (median [IQR], 890 mA [680, 900] vs. 900 mA [895, 900], P = 0.03). Image noise of super-resolution deep learning reconstruction was lower than that of model-based iterative reconstruction (14.6 Hounsfield units ± 1.3 vs. 22.7 Hounsfield units ± 4.4, P < .001). Super-resolution deep learning reconstruction improved the overall subjective image quality compared with model-based iterative reconstruction (median [IQR], 4 [3, 4] vs 3 [3, 3], P = .006). No difference in the area under the receiver operating characteristic curve in diagnosing coronary stenosis using super-resolution deep learning reconstruction (0.96; 95% CI, 0.92-0.99) and model-based iterative reconstruction (0.96; 95% CI, 0.92-0.98; P = .98) was observed.

Our exploratory analysis suggests that super-resolution deep learning reconstruction could improve image quality with lower tube current settings than model-based iterative reconstruction with similar diagnostic performance to diagnose coronary stenosis in coronary CT angiography.