Feasibility of an accelerated 2D-multi-contrast knee MRI protocol using deep-learning image reconstruction: a prospective intraindividual comparison with a standard MRI protocol

OBJECTIVES: The aim of this study was to evaluate the image quality and diagnostic performance of a deep-learning (DL)-accelerated two-dimensional (2D) turbo spin echo (TSE) MRI of the knee at 1.5 and 3 T in clinical routine in comparison to standard MRI. MATERIAL AND METHODS: ), were enrolled in this prospective institutional review board-approved study. Three radiologists assessed the sequences regarding structural abnormalities and evaluated the images concerning overall image quality, artifacts, noise, sharpness, subjective signal-to-noise ratio, and diagnostic confidence using a Likert scale (1-5, 5 = best). KEY POINTS: • Deep-learning reconstructed TSE imaging is able to almost halve the acquisition time of a three-plane knee MRI with proton density and T1-weighted images, from 11:56 min to 6:11 min at 3 T. • Deep-learning reconstructed TSE imaging of the knee provided significant improvement of noise levels (p < 0.001), providing higher image quality (p < 0.05) compared to conventional TSE imaging. • Deep-learning reconstructed TSE imaging of the knee had similar diagnostic performance for internal derangement of the knee compared to standard TSE.