Deep learning-based denoising in cardiac CT: effects on image quality, calcium scoring interchangeability, and...

Ischemic heart disease is a major global health burden requiring timely diagnosis. Although coronary artery calcium (CAC) scoring and coronary computed tomography angiography (CCTA) are valuable tools, image noise can distort assessment. Deep learning-based denoising (DLD) algorithms may enhance quality, yet their impact on cardiac CT workflows remains unclear. This study evaluated DLD effects on CAC and CCTA image quality, clinical interchangeability, and workflow efficiency compared with iterative reconstruction (IR).

A retrospective analysis of 100 patients with CAC and CCTA scans from the same CT scanner was performed. IR and DLD reconstructions yielded 400 datasets, rated by two radiologists using a semiquantitative scoring system. Objective metrics (CT number stability, noise, contrast-to-noise ratio) were measured. Clinical interchangeability and Workflow efficiency were evaluated.

DLD showed significantly higher overall image quality than IR (p < 0.001), while preserving CT attenuation and improving noise and CNR. Although cardiac age classifications did not differ between reconstruction methods, Agatston scores were significantly higher in IR before manual correction (p < 0.001. After manual correction, Agatston scores were not significantly different between IR and DLD (p ≥ 0.158), supporting clinical comparability of the derived clinical metrics between the two approaches. DLD also reduced manual correction time (p < 0.001).

The investigated DLD algorithm improves image quality and radiological workflows thus potentially enhancing overall patient care. Key limitations include the retrospective single-center design and inherent subjectivity in image-quality evaluation; therefore, findings should be confirmed in prospective studies with more objective measures.