Artificial Intelligence for Gadolinium-Free CMR Tissue Charactization Using Deep Learning–Based Virtual Native Enhancement

Motivation: Cardiovascular magnetic resonance (CMR) with late gadolinium enhancement (LGE) is widely used in diagnosing various cardiovascular diseases. However, it requires gadolinium contrast, which is unsuitable for patients with renal impairment or gadolinium allergies. Goal(s): To develop an artificial intelligence model that can produce virtual LGE-equivalent images. Approach: The deep learning-based virtual LGE combines cine and native T1 mapping images to create LGE-like images. Data from 545 patients from the CMR dataset were collected across multiple vendors and centers after image quality control. Results: Virtual LGE demonstrated lesions indicative of cardiovascular diseases with high visuospatial concordance with LGE. Impact: Virtual LGE has substantial potential to replace LGE in diagnosing various cardiovascular diseases, providing a more rapid, cost-effective scan and eliminating contrast agent risks.