Dual-type deep learning-based image reconstruction for advanced denoising and super-resolution processing in head and neck T2-weighted imaging

Purpose To assess the utility of dual-type deep learning (DL)-based image reconstruction with DL-based image denoising and super-resolution processing by comparing images reconstructed with the conventional method in head and neck fat-suppressed (Fs) T2-weighted imaging (T2WI). Materials and methods We retrospectively analyzed the cases of 43 patients who underwent head/neck Fs-T2WI for the assessment of their head and neck lesions. All patients underwent two sets of Fs-T2WI scans with conventional- and DL-based reconstruction. The Fs-T2WI with DL-based reconstruction was acquired based on a 30% reduction of its spatial resolution in both the x- and y-axes with a shortened scan time. Qualitative and quantitative assessments were performed with both the conventional method- and DL-based reconstructions. For the qualitative assessment, we visually evaluated the overall image quality, visibility of anatomical structures, degree of artifact(s), lesion conspicuity, and lesion edge sharpness based on five-point grading. In the quantitative assessment, we measured the signal-to-noise ratio (SNR) of the lesion and the contrast-to-noise ratio (CNR) between the lesion and the adjacent or nearest muscle. Results In the qualitative analysis, significant differences were observed between the Fs-T2WI with the conventional- and DL-based reconstruction in all of the evaluation items except the degree of the artifact(s) (p < 0.001). In the quantitative analysis, significant differences were observed in the SNR between the Fs-T2WI with conventional- (21.4 +/- 14.7) and DL-based reconstructions (26.2 +/- 13.5) (p < 0.001). In the CNR assessment, the CNR between the lesion and adjacent or nearest muscle in the DL-based Fs-T2WI (16.8 +/- 11.6) was significantly higher than that in the conventional Fs-T2WI (14.2 +/- 12.9) (p < 0.001). Conclusion Dual-type DL-based image reconstruction by an effective denoising and super-resolution process successfully provided high image quality in head and neck Fs-T2WI with a shortened scan time compared to the conventional imaging method.