Deep Learning Reconstruction for Turbo Spin Echo Imaging to Accelerate Ankle MRI: A Multi-Reader Study

Motivation: Ankle MRI usually requires a long examination time. A faster scan with adequate image qualities is desired in clinical practice. Goal(s): To evaluate a deep-learning reconstruction accelerated turbo spin echo (DLR-TSE) sequence in ankle application. Approach: Four radiologists independently assessed the image quality and reviewed structural abnormalities of 56 consecutive patients on DLR-TSE and compared these results with those of conventional TSE. Results: Overall, DLR-TSE achieved superior image qualities with a 57.4% reduction in total acquisition time compared with conventional TSE images. There were no differences in the differentiation of anatomic details, diagnostic confidence, or assessments of structural abnormalities between the two techniques. Impact: Deep learning reconstruction can accelerate the turbo spin echo imaging without compromising the image quality or lesion detectability in ankle MRI.