Clinical Implementation of Sixfold-Accelerated Deep Learning Superresolution Knee MRI in Under 5 Minutes: Arthroscopy-Validated Diagnostic Performance.

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Abstract

<b>BACKGROUND</b>. Deep learning (DL) superresolution image reconstruction enables higher acceleration factors for combined parallel imaging-simultaneous multislice-accelerated knee MRI but requires performance validation against external reference standards. <b>OBJECTIVE</b>. The purpose of this study was to validate the clinical efficacy of six-fold-accelerated sub-5-minute 3-T knee MRI using combined threefold parallel imaging (PI) and twofold simultaneous multislice (SMS) acceleration and DL superresolution image reconstruction against arthroscopic surgery. <b>METHODS</b>. Consecutive adult patients with painful knee conditions who underwent sixfold PI-SMS-accelerated DL superresolution 3-T knee MRI and arthroscopic surgery between October 2022 and July 2023 were retrospectively included. Seven fellowship-trained musculoskeletal radiologists independently assessed the MRI studies for image-quality parameters; presence of artifacts; structural visibility (Likert scale: 1 [very bad/severe] to 5 [very good/absent]); and the presence of cruciate ligament tears, collateral ligament tears, meniscal tears, cartilage defects, and fractures. Statistical analyses included kappa-based interreader agreements and diagnostic performance testing. <b>RESULTS</b>. The final sample included 124 adult patients (mean age ± SD, 46 ± 17 years; 79 men, 45 women) who underwent knee MRI and arthroscopic surgery within a median of 28 days (range, 4-56 days). Overall image quality was good to very good (median, 4 [IQR, 4-5]) with very good interreader agreement (κ = 0.86). Motion artifacts were absent (median, 5 [IQR, 5-5]), and image noise was minimal (median, 4 [IQR, 4-5]). Visibility of anatomic structures was very good (median, 5 [IQR, 5-5]). Diagnostic performance for diagnosing arthroscopy-validated structural abnormalities was good to excellent (AUC ≥ 0.81) with at least good interreader agreement (κ ≥ 0.72). The sensitivity, specificity, accuracy, and AUC values were 100%, 99%, 99%, and 0.99 for anterior cruciate ligament tears; 100%, 100%, 100%, and 1.00 for posterior cruciate ligament tears; 90%, 95%, 94%, and 0.93 for medial meniscus tears; 76%, 97%, 90%, and 0.86 for lateral meniscus tears; and 85%, 88%, 88%, and 0.81 for articular cartilage defects, respectively. <b>CONCLUSION</b>. Sixfold PI-SMS-accelerated sub-5-minute DL superresolution 3-T knee MRI has excellent diagnostic performance for detecting internal derangement. <b>CLINICAL IMPACT</b>. Sixfold PI-SMS-accelerated PI-SMS DL superresolution 3-T knee MRI provides high efficiency through short scan times and high diagnostic performance.

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