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Artificial Intelligence-Accelerated vs. Conventional Diffusion-Weighted Imaging for Prostate MRI: Comparing Quality
Vlad Sacalean1, Oliver Gebler1, Wei Liu2
1Department of Diagnostic and Interventional Radiology, University Medical Center Freiburg, University of Freiburg, Hugstetterstr. 55, 79106 Freiburg, Germany (V.S., O.G., F.B., J.W., M.F.R., H.E.).
Rationale And Objectives:
Diffusion-weighted imaging (DWI) is central to prostate magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) but lengthens examinations. We evaluated whether an artificial intelligence (AI)-accelerated, reduced-field-of-view diffusion sequence (AI-DWI) could shorten scan time without sacrificing perceived diagnostic image quality, and how it affects quantitative diffusion metrics.
Materials And Methods:
This prospective, single-center study of diagnostic accuracy enrolled consecutive men with elevated prostate-specific-antigen levels between March and May 2025. The index AI-DWI sequence was compared against the standard conventional DWI sequence (c-DWI) for each patient. Three radiologists scored subjective image quality. Quantitative analysis involved comparing mean apparent diffusion coefficient (ADC) and seven additional texture features. Wilcoxon signed-rank tests assessed ordinal scores, and paired t-tests were used for quantitative metrics.
Results:
62 men (mean age, 68.7 years ± 9) were evaluated. The AI-DWI sequence demonstrated a significantly shorter acquisition time compared to c-DWI (3 min 59 s vs. 4 min 21 s; p<0.01). There was no significant difference in subjective scores for overall image quality, lesion conspicuity, artifacts, or anatomic differentiability (p>0.05 for all). AI-DWI yielded significantly lower mean ADC values (975.92±174.57 vs. 1013.21±189.34; adj. p<0.01) and maximum ADC values (adj. p<0.01). No significant differences were found for standard deviation, coefficient of variation, entropy, kurtosis, minimum, or skewness (adj. p>0.05).
Conclusion:
The AI-DWI sequence allows for reduced acquisition time while preserving subjective image quality compared to the c-DWI. Quantitatively, it yields lower mean and maximum ADC values, while showing no significant differences in the rest of the quantitative metrics relative to the conventional sequence.
Insights
Artificial intelligence-accelerated diffusion-weighted imaging (AI-DWI) significantly reduces prostate MRI scan time. This AI-DWI sequence maintains diagnostic image quality while altering quantitative diffusion metrics.
Area of Science:
- Radiology and Medical Imaging
- Artificial Intelligence in Healthcare
- Prostate Cancer Diagnostics
Background:
- Diffusion-weighted imaging (DWI) is crucial for prostate MRI but increases scan duration.
- Developing faster DWI techniques is essential for improving patient experience and workflow efficiency.
Purpose of the Study:
- To evaluate an artificial intelligence (AI)-accelerated, reduced-field-of-view diffusion sequence (AI-DWI) for prostate MRI.
- To determine if AI-DWI can shorten scan time without compromising perceived image quality.
- To assess the impact of AI-DWI on quantitative diffusion metrics.
Main Methods:
- Prospective diagnostic accuracy study comparing AI-DWI with conventional DWI (c-DWI) in men with elevated PSA.
- Subjective image quality assessed by three radiologists.
- Quantitative analysis included mean apparent diffusion coefficient (ADC) and texture features.
- Statistical analysis using Wilcoxon signed-rank and paired t-tests.
Main Results:
- AI-DWI acquisition time was significantly shorter than c-DWI (3 min 59 s vs. 4 min 21 s).
- No significant differences in subjective image quality (overall quality, lesion conspicuity, artifacts, anatomic differentiability).
- AI-DWI showed significantly lower mean and maximum ADC values compared to c-DWI; other quantitative metrics showed no significant differences.
Conclusions:
- AI-DWI enables reduced acquisition time in prostate MRI while preserving subjective image quality.
- Quantitative analysis reveals lower mean and maximum ADC values with AI-DWI, with no significant changes in other metrics.
- AI-DWI represents a promising advancement for efficient and effective prostate MRI.
