Improved Visualization of Pancreatic Cystic Lesions on Magnetic Resonance Cholangiopancreatography Using Super-Resolution Deep Learning Reconstruction

To assess the efficacy of super-resolution deep learning reconstruction (SR-DLR) in enhancing the visualization of pancreatic cystic lesions (PCLs) on magnetic resonance cholangiopancreatography (MRCP). This retrospective study included 85 patients who underwent MRCP, comprising 52 patients with PCLs and 33 without. Images reconstructed using SR-DLR were compared with original images. Quantitative metrics included signal-to-noise ratio (SNR) and contrast-to-noise ratio (CNR) of the common bile duct (CBD) and PCLs, as well as full width at half maximum (FWHM), edge rise distance (ERD), and edge rise slope (ERS) of the CBD and main pancreatic duct (MPD). Qualitative evaluation was conducted by three radiologists, assessing the depiction of PCLs and the MPD, image sharpness, noise, artifacts, overall image quality, and the connection of PCLs and MPD. Quantitative and qualitative metrics were compared using paired t-test and the Wilcoxon signed rank test. SR-DLR significantly enhanced SNR and CNR (p < 0.001). Image sharpness was also enhanced, as shown by lower ERD and higher ERS in both CBD and MPD, together with reduced FWHM of the MPD (p < 0.005). Qualitative assessments indicated improved depiction of PCLs and image sharpness with SR-DLR across all readers (p ≤ 0.017). Most readers also reported improved visualization of the MPD and reduced noise, and overall quality. There was no statistically significant difference in determining the connectivity between PCLs and the MPD. SR-DLR significantly enhances image quality in MRCP, improving visualization of PCLs. These findings suggest that SR-DLR can contribute to appropriate management of PCLs.