Clinical efficacy of motion-insensitive imaging technique with deep learning reconstruction to improve image quality in cervical spine MR imaging

Objective: To demonstrate that a T2 periodically rotated overlapping parallel lines with enhanced reconstruction (PROPELLER) technique using deep learning reconstruction (DLR) will provide better image quality and decrease image noise. Methods: From December 2020 to March 2021, 35 patients examined cervical spine MRI were included in this study. Four sets of images including fast spin echo (FSE), original PROPELLER, PROPELLER DLR50%, and DLR75% were quantitatively and qualitatively reviewed. We calculated the signal-to-noise ratio (SNR) of the spinal cord and sternocleidomastoid (SCM) muscle and the contrast-to-noise ratio (CNR) of the spinal cord by applying region-of-interest at the spinal cord, SCM muscle, and background air. We evaluated image noise with regard to the spinal cord, SCM, and back muscles at each level from C2-3 to C6-7 in the 4 sets. Results: At all disc levels, the mean SNR values for the spinal cord and SCM muscles were significantly higher in PROPELLER DLR50% and DLR75% compared to FSE and original PROPELLER images (P < .0083). The mean CNR values of the spinal cord were significantly higher in PROPELLER DLR50% and DLR75% compared to FSE at the C3-4 and 4-5 levels and PROPELLER DLR75% compared to FSE at the C6-7 level (P < .0083). Qualitative analysis of image noise on the spinal cord, SCM, and back muscles showed that PROPELLER DLR50% and PROPELLER DLR75% images showed a significant denoising effect compared to the FSE and original PROPELLER images. Conclusion: The combination of PROPELLER and DLR improved image quality with a high SNR and CNR and reduced noise. Advances in knowledge: Motion-insensitive imaging technique (PROPELLER) increased the image quality compared to conventional FSE images. PROPELLER technique with a DLR reduced image noise and improved image quality.