Comparison of CNR in vessel wall imaging using compressed sensing in vertebral arteries

Motivation: Visual assessment is important to quantitatively evaluate the effects of compressed sensing (CS) for the diagnosis of vertebral artery dissection. Goal(s): This study aimed to investigate the usefulness of VWI combined with CS (CS-VWI) in clinical imaging by conducting visual assessments of simultaneously acquired conventional VWI (non-CS-VWI) and CS-VWI by two radiologists. Approach: Non-CS-VWI and CS-VWI were compared for image quality and vessel wall quality scores of V3, V4, and PICA. Results: Visual assessments of non-CS-VWI and CS-VWI revealed that CS tended to produce lower vessel wall scores for V3 and V4. Impact: CS may lead to a deterioration in the visibility of vertebral arteries for VWI in the posterior fossa. Although CS has potential benefits, careful adjustment of imaging parameters is necessary to mitigate the negative effects, especially when evaluating vertebral arteries.