Dual energy CT (DECT) has evolved into a commonly applied imaging technique in clinical routine due to its unique post-processing opportunities for improved evaluation of all body areas. Reconstruc...

Deep learning technologies and applications demonstrate one of the most important upcoming developments in radiology. The impact and influence of these technologies on image acquisition and reporting might change daily clinical practice. The aim of this review was to present current deep learning technologies, with a focus on magnetic resonance image reconstruction. The first part of this manuscript concentrates on the basic technical principles that are necessary for deep learning image reconstruction. The second part highlights the translation of these techniques into clinical practice. The third part outlines the different aspects of image reconstruction techniques, and presents a review of the current literature regarding image reconstruction and image post-processing in MRI. The promising results of the most recent studies indicate that deep learning will be a major player in radiology in the upcoming years. Apart from decision and diagnosis support, the major advantages of deep learning magnetic resonance imaging reconstruction techniques are related to acquisition time reduction and the improvement of image quality. The implementation of these techniques may be the solution for the alleviation of limited scanner availability via workflow acceleration. It can be assumed that this disruptive technology will change daily routines and workflows permanently.

Deep learning–reconstructed turbo spin-echo (TSE) acquisition was interchangeable with standard TSE for detecting various spinal abnormalities at MRI, providing excellent quality and a 70% reductio... Background Deep learning (DL)–based MRI reconstructions can reduce examination times for turbo spin-echo (TSE) acquisitions. Studies that prospectively employ DL-based reconstructions of rapidly ac...

Multiparametric MRI (mpMRI) of the prostate has become the standard of care in prostate cancer evaluation. Recently, deep learning image reconstruction (DLR) methods have been introduced with promising results regarding scan acceleration. Therefore, the aim of this study was to investigate the impact of deep learning image reconstruction (DLR) in a shortened acquisition process of T2-weighted TSE imaging, regarding the image quality and diagnostic confidence, as well as PI-RADS and T2 scoring, as compared to standard T2 TSE imaging. Sixty patients undergoing 3T mpMRI for the evaluation of prostate cancer were prospectively enrolled in this institutional review board-approved study between October 2020 and March 2021. After the acquisition of standard T2 TSE imaging (T2_S), the novel T2 TSE sequence with DLR (T2_DLR) was applied in three planes. Overall, the acquisition time for T2_S resulted in 10:21 min versus 3:50 min for T2_DLR. The image evaluation was performed by two radiologists independently using a Likert scale ranging from 1–4 (4 best) applying the following criteria: noise levels, artifacts, overall image quality, diagnostic confidence, and lesion conspicuity. Additionally, T2 and PI-RADS scoring were performed. The mean patient age was 69 ± 9 years (range, 49–85 years). The noise levels and the extent of the artifacts were evaluated to be significantly improved in T2_DLR versus T2_S by both readers (p < 0.05). Overall image quality was also evaluated to be superior in T2_DLR versus T2_S in all three acquisition planes (p = 0.005–<0.001). Both readers evaluated the item lesion conspicuity to be superior in T2_DLR with a median of 4 versus a median of 3 in T2_S (p = 0.001 and <0.001, respectively). T2-weighted TSE imaging of the prostate in three planes with an acquisition time reduction of more than 60% including DLR is feasible with a significant improvement of image quality.

Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) of the musculoskeletal system is one of the most common examinations in clinical routine. The application of Deep Learning (DL) reconstruction for MRI is increasingly gaining attention due to its potential to improve the image quality and reduce the acquisition time simultaneously. However, the technology has not yet been implemented in clinical routine for turbo spin echo (TSE) sequences in musculoskeletal imaging. The aim of this study was therefore to assess the technical feasibility and evaluate the image quality. Sixty examinations of knee, hip, ankle, shoulder, hand, and lumbar spine in healthy volunteers at 3 T were included in this prospective, internal-review-board-approved study. Conventional (TSE_S) and DL-based TSE sequences (TSE_DL) were compared regarding image quality, anatomical structures, and diagnostic confidence. Overall image quality was rated to be excellent, with a significant improvement in edge sharpness and reduced noise compared to TSE_S (p < 0.001). No difference was found concerning the extent of artifacts, the delineation of anatomical structures, and the diagnostic confidence comparing TSE_S and TSE_DL (p > 0.05). Therefore, DL image reconstruction for TSE sequences in MSK imaging is feasible, enabling a remarkable time saving (up to 75%), whilst maintaining excellent image quality and diagnostic confidence.