Repeatability of radiomic features in myocardial T1 and T2 mapping.

Purpose: To investigate the test-retest repeatability of radiomic features in myocardial native T1 and T2 mapping.

Methods: In this prospective study, 50 healthy volunteers (29 women and 21 men, mean age 39.4 ± 13.7 years) underwent two identical cardiac magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) examinations at 1.5 T. The protocol included native T1 and T2 mapping in both short-axis and long-axis orientation. For T1 mapping, we investigated standard (1.9 × 1.9 mm) and high (1.4 × 1.4 mm) spatial resolution. After manual segmentation of the left ventricular myocardium, 100 radiomic features from seven feature classes were extracted and analyzed. Test-retest repeatability of radiomic features was assessed using the intraclass correlation coefficient (ICC) and classified as poor (ICC < 0.50), moderate (0.50-0.75), good (0.75-0.90), and excellent (> 0.90).

Results: For T1 maps acquired in short-axis orientation at standard resolution, repeatability was excellent for 6 features, good for 29 features, moderate for 19 features, and poor for 46 features. We identified 15 features from 6 classes which showed good to excellent reproducibility for T1 mapping in all resolutions and all orientations. For short-axis T2 maps, repeatability was excellent for 6 features, good for 25 features, moderate for 23 features, and poor for 46 features. 12 features from 5 classes were found to have good to excellent repeatability in T2 mapping independent of slice orientation.

Conclusion: We have identified a subset of features with good to excellent repeatability independent of slice orientation and spatial resolution. We recommend using these features for further radiomics research in myocardial T1 and T2 mapping.

Key points: Question The study addresses the need for reliable radiomic features for quantitative analysis of the myocardium to ensure diagnostic consistency in cardiac MRI. Findings We have identified a subset of radiomic features demonstrating good to excellent repeatability in native T1 and T2 mapping independent of slice orientation and resolution. Clinical relevanceRadiomic features have been proposed as diagnostic and prognostic biomarkers in various heart diseases. By identifying a subset of particularly reproducible radiomic features our study serves to inform the selection of radiomic features in future research and clinical applications.