Impact of Deep Learning Reconstruction Combined With a Sharpening Filter on Single-Shot Fast Spin-Echo T2-Weighted Magnetic Resonance Imaging of the Uterus

Objective This study aimed to evaluate the effects of deep learning (DL) reconstruction and a postprocessing sharpening filter on the image quality of single-shot fast spin-echo (SSFSE) T2-weighted imaging (T2WI) of the uterus. Materials and Methods Fifty consecutive patients who underwent pelvic magnetic resonance imaging were included. Parasagittal T2WI with a slice thickness of 4 mm was obtained with the periodically rotated overlapping parallel lines with enhanced reconstruction (PROPELLER) and SSFSE sequences (mean scan time, 204 and 22 seconds, respectively). The following 3 types of SSFSE images were reconstructed, and the signal-to-noise ratio (SNR) and tissue contrast were assessed: conventional reconstruction (SSFSE-C), DL reconstruction (SSFSE-DL), and DL with a sharpening filter (SSFSE-DLF). Three radiologists independently assessed image quality, and area under the visual grading characteristics curve (AUC(VGC)) analysis was performed to compare the SSFSE and PROPELLER images. Results Compared with that of the PROPELLER images, the SNR of the SSFSE-C, SSFSE-DL, and SSFSE-DLF images was significantly lower (P < 0.05), significantly higher (P < 0.05), and equivalent, respectively. The SSFSE-DL images exhibited significantly lower contrast between the junctional zone and myometrium than those obtained with the other sequences (P < 0.05). In qualitative comparisons with the PROPELLER images, all 3 SSFSE sequences, SSFSE-DL, and SSFSE-DLF demonstrated significantly higher scores for artifacts, noise, and sharpness, respectively (P < 0.01). The overall image quality of SSFSE-C (mean AUC(VGC), 0.03; P < 0.01) and SSFSE-DL (mean AUC(VGC), 0.23; P < 0.01) was rated as significantly inferior, whereas that of SSFSE-DLF (mean AUC(VGC), 0.69) was equivalent or significantly higher (P < 0.01). Conclusion Using a combination of DL and a sharpening filter markedly increases the image quality of SSFSE of the uterus to the level of the PROPELLER sequence.