Reconstruction of 3D knee MRI using deep learning and compressed sensing: a validation study on healthy volunteers

Background

To investigate the potential of combining compressed sensing (CS) and artificial intelligence (AI), in particular deep learning (DL), for accelerating three-dimensional (3D) magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) sequences of the knee.

Methods

Twenty healthy volunteers were examined using a 3-T scanner with a fat-saturated 3D proton density sequence with four different acceleration levels (10, 13, 15, and 17). All sequences were accelerated with CS and reconstructed using the conventional and a new DL-based algorithm (CS-AI). Subjective image quality was evaluated by two blinded readers using seven criteria on a 5-point-Likert-scale (overall impression, artifacts, delineation of the anterior cruciate ligament, posterior cruciate ligament, menisci, cartilage, and bone). Using mixed models, all CS-AI sequences were compared to the clinical standard (sense sequence with an acceleration factor of 2) and CS sequences with the same acceleration factor.

Results

3D sequences reconstructed with CS-AI achieved significantly better values for subjective image quality compared to sequences reconstructed with CS with the same acceleration factor (p ≤ 0.001). The images reconstructed with CS-AI showed that tenfold acceleration may be feasible without significant loss of quality when compared to the reference sequence (p ≥ 0.999).

Conclusions

For 3-T 3D-MRI of the knee, a DL-based algorithm allowed for additional acceleration of acquisition times compared to the conventional approach. This study, however, is limited by its small sample size and inclusion of only healthy volunteers, indicating the need for further research with a more diverse and larger sample.

Trial registration

DRKS00024156.

Relevance statement

Using a DL-based algorithm, 54% faster image acquisition (178 s versus 384 s) for 3D-sequences may be possible for 3-T MRI of the knee.

Key points

• Combination of compressed sensing and DL improved image quality and allows for significant acceleration of 3D knee MRI.

• DL-based algorithm achieved better subjective image quality than conventional compressed sensing.

• For 3D knee MRI at 3 T, 54% faster image acquisition may be possible.

Graphical Abstract