Deep Learning Reconstructed Reduced Field-of-View Diffusion Weighted Imaging in Rectal Cancer: Comparison of Image Quality

Motivation: Reduced field-of-view DWI (rDWI) can improve the image quality (IQ) and lesion conspicuity in rectal cancer (RC) while reducing signal-to-noise ratio. Deep learning reconstruction (DLR) can denoise images. The feasibility and performance of DLR in rDWI for RC remains unclear. Goal(s): To compare the IQ and apparent diffusion coefficient (ADC) values between DLR-rDWI and noDLR-rDWI in RC. Approach: Objective and subjective IQ analysis were performed. ADC values were calculated. Results of IQ analysis and ADC between DLR-rDWI and noDLR-rDWI were compared. Results: The IQ of DLR-rDWI was better than noDLR-rDWI (except lesion conspicuity, P=0.157). ADC values was not affected by DLR. Impact: DLR-rDWI could be considered for inclusion in routine rectal MRI protocols. However, whether DLR can improve lesion conspicuity in RC should be further investigated with smaller lesions. The ability of DLR-rDWI in diagnosis and prediction for RC could be studied.