Image quality in three-dimensional (3D) contrast-enhanced dynamic magnetic resonance imaging of the abdomen using deep learning denoising technique: intraindividual comparison between T1-weighted sequences with compressed sensing and with a modified Fast 3D mode wheel

Purpose: To assess the image quality of a modified Fast three-dimensional (Fast 3D) mode wheel with sequential data filling (mFast 3D wheel) combined with a deep learning denoising technique (Advanced Intelligent Clear-IQ Engine [AiCE]) in contrast-enhanced (CE) 3D dynamic magnetic resonance (MR) imaging of the abdomen during a single breath hold (BH) by intra-individual comparison with compressed sensing (CS) with AiCE.

Methods: Forty-two patients who underwent multiphasic CE dynamic MRI obtained with both mFast 3D wheel using AiCE and CS using AiCE in the same patient were retrospectively included. The conspicuity, artifacts, image quality, signal intensity ratio (SIR), signal-to-noise ratio (SNR), contrast ratio (CR), and contrast enhancement ratio (CER) of the organs were compared between these 2 sequences.

Results: Conspicuity, artifacts, and overall image quality were significantly better in the mFast 3D wheel using AiCE than in the CS with AiCE (all p < 0.001). The SNR of the liver in CS with AiCE was significantly better than that in the mFast 3D wheel using AiCE (p < 0.01). There were no significant differences in the SIR, CR, and CER between the two sequences.

Conclusion: A mFast 3D wheel using AiCE as a deep learning denoising technique improved the conspicuity of abdominal organs and intrahepatic structures and the overall image quality with sufficient contrast enhancement effects, making it feasible for BH 3D CE dynamic MR imaging of the abdomen.