Super-Resolution Deep Learning Reconstruction Improves Image Quality of Dynamic Myocardial Computed Tomography Perfusion Imaging

<b>Background/Objectives</b>: Super-resolution deep-learning reconstruction (SR-DLR) is an advanced image reconstruction technique, but its effect on dynamic myocardial computed tomography perfusion (CTP) imaging has not been evaluated. This study aimed to examine the impact of SR-DLR on image quality and perfusion parameters in dynamic myocardial CTP. <b>Methods</b>: Thirty-five patients who underwent dynamic myocardial CTP for coronary artery disease assessment were retrospectively analyzed. Two CTP datasets were reconstructed using hybrid iterative reconstruction (HIR) and SR-DLR. Image quality was compared qualitatively and quantitatively, including image noise, signal-to-noise ratio (SNR), contrast-to-noise ratio (CNR), and edge rise slope (ERS). Equivalence of CT-derived myocardial blood flow (CT-MBF) between two reconstructions was tested using a previously reported 15% equivalence margin. Intra-patient variability of CT-MBF was evaluated using the robust coefficient of variation (rCV). <b>Results</b>: In the qualitative assessment, SR-DLR had significantly higher scores in contrast (4.0 vs. 2.0) and sharpness (4.5 vs. 2.5) compared with HIR (<i>p</i> < 0.001), while contrast scores were similar. In the quantitative assessment, SR-DLR demonstrated significantly lower image noise (19.4 vs. 29.4 HU), and improved SNR (6.1 vs. 4.1), CNR (13.7 vs. 10.9), and ERS (171.0 vs. 135.1 HU/mm) (all <i>p</i> < 0.001). Mean global CT-MBF was comparable (3.15 ± 0.91 mL/g/min for HIR vs. 3.18 ± 0.97 mL/g/min for SR-DLR) and equivalence was confirmed (<i>p</i> = 0.022). SR-DLR significantly reduced rCV compared with HIR (36.0% vs. 41.0%, <i>p</i> < 0.001). <b>Conclusions</b>: SR-DLR enhances image quality in dynamic myocardial CTP while maintaining mean global CT-MBF and reducing intra-patient variability.

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Journal
Tomography
Published
2026-01-07
DOI
https://doi.org/10.3390/tomography12010007
Primary Topic
Cardiac Imaging and Diagnostics
Type
article
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article

Super-Resolution Deep Learning Reconstruction Improves Image Quality of Dynamic Myocardial Computed Tomography Perfusion Imaging

Takanori Kouchi, Yusuke Kobayashi, Yuki Tanabe, Takaaki Hosokawa et al.
Tomography
Cardiac Imaging and Diagnostics
article

Super-Resolution Deep Learning Reconstruction Improves Image Quality of Dynamic Myocardial Computed Tomography Perfusion Imaging

Takanori Kouchi, Yusuke Kobayashi, Yuki Tanabe, Takaaki Hosokawa, Kazuki Yoshida, Teruhito Kido, Shota Nakano, OSAMU YAMAGUCHI, Tomoro Morikawa, Kentaro Ohara
article en

Abstract

<b>Background/Objectives</b>: Super-resolution deep-learning reconstruction (SR-DLR) is an advanced image reconstruction technique, but its effect on dynamic myocardial computed tomography perfusion (CTP) imaging has not been evaluated. This study aimed to examine the impact of SR-DLR on image quality and perfusion parameters in dynamic myocardial CTP. <b>Methods</b>: Thirty-five patients who underwent dynamic myocardial CTP for coronary artery disease assessment were retrospectively analyzed. Two CTP datasets were reconstructed using hybrid iterative reconstruction (HIR) and SR-DLR. Image quality was compared qualitatively and quantitatively, including image noise, signal-to-noise ratio (SNR), contrast-to-noise ratio (CNR), and edge rise slope (ERS). Equivalence of CT-derived myocardial blood flow (CT-MBF) between two reconstructions was tested using a previously reported 15% equivalence margin. Intra-patient variability of CT-MBF was evaluated using the robust coefficient of variation (rCV). <b>Results</b>: In the qualitative assessment, SR-DLR had significantly higher scores in contrast (4.0 vs. 2.0) and sharpness (4.5 vs. 2.5) compared with HIR (<i>p</i> < 0.001), while contrast scores were similar. In the quantitative assessment, SR-DLR demonstrated significantly lower image noise (19.4 vs. 29.4 HU), and improved SNR (6.1 vs. 4.1), CNR (13.7 vs. 10.9), and ERS (171.0 vs. 135.1 HU/mm) (all <i>p</i> < 0.001). Mean global CT-MBF was comparable (3.15 ± 0.91 mL/g/min for HIR vs. 3.18 ± 0.97 mL/g/min for SR-DLR) and equivalence was confirmed (<i>p</i> = 0.022). SR-DLR significantly reduced rCV compared with HIR (36.0% vs. 41.0%, <i>p</i> < 0.001). <b>Conclusions</b>: SR-DLR enhances image quality in dynamic myocardial CTP while maintaining mean global CT-MBF and reducing intra-patient variability.

TomographyVol. 12(1)
Canon (Japan) (JP), Ehime Prefectural Central Hospital (JP), Ehime University (JP), Canon Medical Systems Corporation (Japan) (JP)
Openalex Percentile: Top 97%
Cardiac Imaging and Diagnostics
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