Advanced deep learning-based image reconstruction in lumbar spine MRI at 0.55 T – Effects on image quality and acquisition time in comparison to conventional deep learning-based reconstruction

Objectives

To evaluate an optimized deep leaning-based image post-processing technique in lumbar spine MRI at 0.55 T in terms of image quality and image acquisition time.

Materials and methods

Lumbar spine imaging was conducted on 18 patients using a 0.55 T MRI scanner, employing conventional (CDLR) and advanced (ADLR) deep learning-based post-processing techniques. Two musculoskeletal radiologists visually evaluated the images using a 5-point Likert scale to assess image quality and resolution. Quantitative assessment in terms of signal intensities (SI) and contrast ratios was performed by region of interest measurements in different body-tissues (vertebral bone, intervertebral disc, spinal cord, cerebrospinal fluid and autochthonous back muscles) to investigate differences between CDLR and ADLR sequences.

Results

The images processed with the advanced technique (ADLR) were rated superior to the conventional technique (CDLR) in terms of signal/contrast, resolution, and assessability of the spinal canal and neural foramen. The interrater agreement was moderate for signal/contrast (ICC = 0.68) and good for resolution (ICC = 0.77), but moderate for spinal canal and neuroforaminal assessability (ICC = 0.55). Quantitative assessment showed a higher contrast ratio for fluid-sensitive sequences in the ADLR images. The use of ADLR reduced image acquisition time by 44.4%, from 14:22 min to 07:59 min.

Conclusions

Advanced deep learning-based image reconstruction algorithms improve the visually perceived image quality in lumbar spine imaging at 0.55 T while simultaneously allowing to substantially decrease image acquisition times.

Clinical relevance

Advanced deep learning-based image post-processing techniques (ADLR) in lumbar spine MRI at 0.55 T significantly improves image quality while reducing image acquisition time.