Enhanced image quality and lesion detection in FLAIR MRI of white matter hyperintensity through deep learning-based reconstruction

Asian J Surg. 2024 Oct 4:S1015-9584(24)02201-2. doi: 10.1016/j.asjsur.2024.09.156. Online ahead of print.

Abstract

Objective: To delve deeper into the study of degenerative diseases, it becomes imperative to investigate whether deep-learning reconstruction (DLR) can improve the evaluation of white matter hyperintensity (WMH) on 3.0T scanners, and compare its lesion detection capabilities with conventional reconstruction (CR).

Methods: A total of 131 participants (mean age, 46 years ±17; 46 men) were included in the study. The images of these participants were evaluated by readers blinded to clinical data. Two readers independently assessed subjective image indicators on a 4-point scale. The severity of WMH was assessed by four raters using the Fazekas scale. To evaluate the relative detection capabilities of each method, we employed the Wilcoxon signed rank test to compare scores between the DLR and the CR group. Additionally, we assessed interrater reliability using weighted k statistics and intraclass correlation coefficient to test consistency among the raters.

Results: In terms of subjective image scoring, the DLR group exhibited significantly better scores compared to the CR group (P < 0.001). Regarding the severity of WMH, the DL group demonstrated superior performance in detecting lesions. Majority readers agreed that the DL group provided clearer visualization of the lesions compared to the conventional group.

Conclusion: DLR exhibits notable advantages over CR, including subjective image quality, lesion detection sensitivity, and inter reader reliability.

Keywords: Deep learning; Image quality; Image reconstruction; Lesion detection; White matter hyperintensity.