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Deep Resolve Boost in 2D MRI for Neuroradiology: A Comparative Evaluation of Diagnostic Gains and Potential Risks
Arsany Hakim1, Roman Rohner2,3, Anna Winklehner2
1From the University Institute of Diagnostic and Interventional Neuroradiology (A.H., R.R., A.W., C.L., R.W., J.G., E.P.), Bern University Hospital, Inselspital, University of Bern, Bern, Switzerland arsany_hakim@yahoo.com.
Background And Purpose:
Deep Resolve Boost (DRB) applied to accelerated acquisition (ACC) offers the potential to reduce MRI acquisition time and improve image quality. However, studies on the potential impact on artifacts, anatomic delineation, and the depiction of imaging findings are scarce. This study aims to fill this gap and evaluates the clinical performance of DRB-ACC in 2D MRI sequences.
Materials And Methods:
In this prospective observational study, 256 paired 2D sequences (T2/turbo inversion recovery magnitude, and FLAIR) were acquired from 200 patients undergoing routine neuroradiologic MRI on a 3T scanner. For each examination, both standard and DRB-ACC (predominantly high strength) were acquired in the same session using identical scanner settings, except for acceleration factor; same surface coil, sequence orientation, and slice thickness. Image quality, anatomic structure delineation, artifact presence, and lesion conspicuity were independently assessed by 2 readers using standardized scoring.
Results:
DRB-ACC sequences demonstrated good or fair image quality in 94.5% of cases, with improved or unchanged quality compared with standard acquisition in 95.7% of sequences. However, anatomic delineation was inferior in key regions such as the hippocampus, brainstem, and cerebellum. Artifacts were more pronounced in 27.3% and newly introduced in 84.8% of the accelerated DRB sequences, commonly affecting the brainstem and deep gray matter. Lesion depiction was equivalent to standard images in 91.6% of cases, with limited instances of improved (7.2%) or degraded (1.2%) delineation.
Conclusions:
DRB-ACC enables acceleration of 2D MRI while maintaining image quality and lesion visibility. At the same time, the presence of artifacts and reduced delineation of certain anatomic structures underscores the need for caution in the interpretation of image findings and selective use in clinical routine, particularly in clinical scenarios requiring high anatomic detail such as for epilepsy screening, or in cases with suspected brainstem pathology.
Insights
Deep Resolve Boost accelerated acquisition (DRB-ACC) speeds up 2D MRI scans while maintaining image quality and lesion visibility. However, increased artifacts and reduced anatomical detail in certain brain regions necessitate cautious clinical application.
Area of Science:
- Radiology and Medical Imaging
- Neuroimaging Techniques
Background:
- Deep Resolve Boost applied to accelerated acquisition (DRB-ACC) is a novel technique for reducing MRI scan times.
- Limited studies exist on DRB-ACC's impact on image artifacts, anatomical delineation, and lesion depiction.
Purpose of the Study:
- To evaluate the clinical performance of DRB-ACC in 2D MRI sequences.
- To assess image quality, anatomical delineation, artifact presence, and lesion conspicuity with DRB-ACC.
Main Methods:
- Prospective observational study involving 256 paired 2D MRI sequences (T2/TIRM, FLAIR) from 200 patients on a 3T scanner.
- Standard and DRB-ACC sequences were acquired using identical settings, varying only the acceleration factor.
- Image quality, anatomical delineation, artifacts, and lesion conspicuity were assessed by two blinded readers using standardized scoring.
Main Results:
- DRB-ACC demonstrated good or fair image quality in 94.5% of cases, with improved/unchanged quality in 95.7%.
- Anatomical delineation was inferior in critical areas (hippocampus, brainstem, cerebellum).
- Artifacts increased in 27.3% and were newly introduced in 84.8% of DRB-ACC sequences, affecting deep gray matter and brainstem.
- Lesion depiction was equivalent in 91.6% of cases, with minimal improvement or degradation.
Conclusions:
- DRB-ACC effectively accelerates 2D MRI acquisition while preserving image quality and lesion visibility.
- Increased artifacts and reduced delineation of specific anatomical structures require careful interpretation and selective use.
- Caution is advised in epilepsy screening or suspected brainstem pathology cases due to potential anatomical detail reduction.
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