Comparison of image quality and lesion conspicuity between conventional and deep learning reconstruction in gadoxetic acid-enhanced liver MRI

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2024年10月28日

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Jeong Hee Yoon,
Jeong Eun Lee,
So Hyun Park,
Jin Young Park,
Jae Hyun Kim,
Jeong Min Lee

摘要

Objective

To compare the image quality and lesion conspicuity of conventional vs deep learning (DL)-based reconstructed three-dimensional T1-weighted images in gadoxetic acid-enhanced liver magnetic resonance imaging (MRI).

Methods

This prospective study (NCT05182099) enrolled participants scheduled for gadoxetic acid-enhanced liver MRI due to suspected focal liver lesions (FLLs) who provided signed informed consent. A liver MRI was conducted using a 3-T scanner. T1-weighted images were reconstructed using both conventional and DL-based (AIR^TM Recon DL 3D) reconstruction algorithms. Three radiologists independently reviewed the image quality and lesion conspicuity on a 5-point scale.

Results

Fifty participants (male = 36, mean age 62 ± 11 years) were included for image analysis. The DL-based reconstruction showed significantly higher image quality than conventional images in all phases (3.71–4.40 vs 3.37–3.99, p < 0.001 for all), as well as significantly less noise and ringing artifacts than conventional images (p < 0.05 for all), while also showing significantly altered image texture (p < 0.001 for all). Lesion conspicuity was significantly higher in DL-reconstructed images than in conventional images in the arterial phase (2.15 [95% confidence interval: 1.78, 2.52] vs 2.03 [1.65, 2.40], p = 0.036), but no significant difference was observed in the portal venous phase and hepatobiliary phase (p > 0.05 for all). There was no significant difference in the figure-of-merit (0.728 in DL vs 0.709 in conventional image, p = 0.474).

Conclusion

DL reconstruction provided higher-quality three-dimensional T1-weighted imaging than conventional reconstruction in gadoxetic acid-enhanced liver MRI.

Critical relevance statement

DL reconstruction of 3D T1-weighted images improves image quality and arterial phase lesion conspicuity in gadoxetic acid-enhanced liver MRI compared to conventional reconstruction.

Key Points

DL reconstruction is feasible for 3D T1-weighted images across different spatial resolutions and phases.

DL reconstruction showed superior image quality with reduced noise and ringing artifacts.

Hepatic anatomic structures were more conspicuous on DL-reconstructed images.

Graphical Abstract