Objective This study aims to assess the image quality and perceived diagnostic confidence of research deep learning (DL)-accelerated T1-weighted “volumetric interpolated breath‑hold examination” (VIBE) Dixon sequences compared to conventional T1-weighted VIBE Dixon sequences for the screening of pelvic metastases in prostate magnetic resonance imaging (MRI). Materials and methods Consecutive patients receiving prostate MRI between February and April 2024 were prospectively included. In addition to the conventional T1-weighted VIBE Dixon sequences (T1STD), two research DL-accelerated sequences (T1DL, T1DL FAST) with different acceleration were acquired. Three blinded radiologists assessed image quality and perceived diagnostic confidence on a Likert scale (from 1 = non-diagnostic to 5 = excellent). Signal homogeneity was measured for quantitative assessment. Results Fifty-four patients were included, aged 68 ± 6.6 years (mean ± standard deviation). The DL-accelerated sequences had markedly shorter acquisition time (15 s and 45 s versus 143 s). Overall image quality was comparable or superior, with especially improved sharpness in contrast-enhanced imaging (median [interquartile range]: T1STD = 4 [3‒4] versus T1DL = 5 [5‒5] versus T1DL FAST = 4 [4‒5]; p < 0.001). Although a slight increase in artifacts and signal inhomogeneity was noted, the diagnostic confidence was equally excellent with a median score of 5 [5‒5] and with p values ranging from 0.276 to < 0.001. Conclusion DL-accelerated T1-weighted VIBE Dixon imaging in prostate MRI is feasible and demonstrates good image quality and equally high perceived diagnostic confidence for pelvic metastases with a tremendously shorter acquisition time. Relevance statement The availability of prostate MRI is significantly influenced by acquisition time. To meet the increasing demand for prostate MRI, DL-accelerated sequences provide faster and more efficient image reconstruction. Key Points <UnorderedList Mark="Bullet"> <ItemContent> DL-accelerated T1-weighted VIBE Dixon sequences in prostate MRI address the growing demand for rapid, high-quality imaging in prostate cancer assessment. </ItemContent> <ItemContent> DL-acceleration reduces sequence acquisition time from 143 s to 15 s without loss of image quality and perceived diagnostic confidence. </ItemContent> <ItemContent> DL-accelerated T1-weighted VIBE Dixon sequences enable more efficient, time-saving prostate MRI to increase availability and patient throughput. </ItemContent> </UnorderedList> Graphical Abstract

Feasibility of deep learning-accelerated ultrafast T1-weighted VIBE Dixon imaging of the pelvis for screening of metastases in prostate MRI

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2026年6月25日

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Andrea Nedelcu,
Maximilian Frederic Russe,
Caroline Wilpert,
Benedict Oerther,
Dominik Marcel Nickel,
Ralph Strecker,
Fabian Bamberg,
Jakob Weiß,
Hannes Engel

摘要

Objective

This study aims to assess the image quality and perceived diagnostic confidence of research deep learning (DL)-accelerated T1-weighted “volumetric interpolated breath‑hold examination” (VIBE) Dixon sequences compared to conventional T1-weighted VIBE Dixon sequences for the screening of pelvic metastases in prostate magnetic resonance imaging (MRI).

Materials and methods

Consecutive patients receiving prostate MRI between February and April 2024 were prospectively included. In addition to the conventional T1-weighted VIBE Dixon sequences (T1STD), two research DL-accelerated sequences (T1DL, T1DL FAST) with different acceleration were acquired. Three blinded radiologists assessed image quality and perceived diagnostic confidence on a Likert scale (from 1 = non-diagnostic to 5 = excellent). Signal homogeneity was measured for quantitative assessment.

Results

Fifty-four patients were included, aged 68 ± 6.6 years (mean ± standard deviation). The DL-accelerated sequences had markedly shorter acquisition time (15 s and 45 s versus 143 s). Overall image quality was comparable or superior, with especially improved sharpness in contrast-enhanced imaging (median [interquartile range]: T1STD = 4 [3‒4] versus T1DL = 5 [5‒5] versus T1DL FAST = 4 [4‒5]; p < 0.001). Although a slight increase in artifacts and signal inhomogeneity was noted, the diagnostic confidence was equally excellent with a median score of 5 [5‒5] and with p values ranging from 0.276 to < 0.001.

Conclusion

DL-accelerated T1-weighted VIBE Dixon imaging in prostate MRI is feasible and demonstrates good image quality and equally high perceived diagnostic confidence for pelvic metastases with a tremendously shorter acquisition time.

Relevance statement

The availability of prostate MRI is significantly influenced by acquisition time. To meet the increasing demand for prostate MRI, DL-accelerated sequences provide faster and more efficient image reconstruction.

Key Points

DL-accelerated T1-weighted VIBE Dixon sequences in prostate MRI address the growing demand for rapid, high-quality imaging in prostate cancer assessment.

DL-acceleration reduces sequence acquisition time from 143 s to 15 s without loss of image quality and perceived diagnostic confidence.

DL-accelerated T1-weighted VIBE Dixon sequences enable more efficient, time-saving prostate MRI to increase availability and patient throughput.

Graphical Abstract