Denoising using deep-learning-based reconstruction for whole-heart coronary MRA with sub-millimeter isotropic resolution at 3T: a volunteer study.
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Abstract
The aim of this study was to assess the usefulness of denoising deep-learning-based reconstruction (dDLR) to improve image quality and vessel delineation in noncontrast 3-T wholeheart coronary magnetic resonance angiography (WHCMRA) with sub-millimeter isotropic resolution (Sub-mm) compared with a standard resolution without dDLR (Standard).For ten healthy volunteers, we acquired the WHCMRA with Sub-mm with and without dDLR and Standard to quantify signal- (SNR) and contrast-noise ratio (CNR) and vessel edge signal response (VESR) in all the three image types. Two independent readers subjectively graded vessel sharpness and signal homogeneity of 8 coronary segments in each patient. We used Kruskal Wallis test with Bonferroni correction to compare SNR, CNR, VESR, and the subjective evaluation scores among the three image types and weighted kappa test to evaluate inter-reader agreement on the scores.SNR was significantly higher with Sub-mm with dDLR (P < 0.001) and Standard (P = 0.005) than with Sub-mm without dDLR, and was comparable between Sub-mm with dDLR and Standard (P = 0.511). CNR was significantly higher with Sub-mm with dDLR (P < 0.001) and Standard (P = 0.005) than with Sub-mm without dDLR, and was comparable between Sub-mm with dDLR and Standard (P = 0.560). VESR was significantly greater with Sub-mm with (P = 0.001) and without dDLR (P = 0.017) than with Standard, and was comparable between Sub-mm with and without dDLR (P = 1.000). In the proximal, middle, distal, and all the coronary segments, the subjective vessel sharpness was significantly better with Sub-mm with dDLR than Sub-mm without dDLR and Standard (P < 0.001, for all), and was comparable between Sub-mm without dDLR and Standard (P > 0.05); the subjective signal homogeneity was significantly improved from Sub-mm without dDLR to Standard to Sub-mm with dDLR (P < 0.001). The Inter-reader agreement was excellent (kappa = 0.84).Application of dDLR is useful for improving image quality and vessel delineation in the WHCMRA with Sub-mm compared with Standard.