Abstract
The purpose of this study was to compare the image quality of the single-slab, 3D T2-weighted turbo-spin-eco sequence with high sampling efficiency (SPACE) with accelerated SPACE using compressed sensing (CS-SPACE) in paediatric brain imaging. A total of 116 brain MRI (53 in SPACE group and 63 in CS-SPACE group) were obtained from children aged 16 years old or younger. Quantitative image quality was evaluated using the signal-to-noise ratio (SNR) and contrast-to-noise ratio (CNR). The sequences were qualitatively evaluated for overall image quality, SNR, general artifact, cerebrospinal fluid (CSF)-related artifact and grey-white matter differentiation. The two sequences were compared for the total and for two age groups (< 24 months vs. ≥ 24 months). CS application in 3D T2-weighted imaging resulted in 8.5% reduction in scanning time. Quantitative image quality analysis showed higher SNR (Median [Interquartile range]; 29 [25] vs. 23 [14], P = .005) and CNR (0.231 [0.121] vs. 0.165 [0.120], P = .027) with CS-SPACE compared to SPACE. Qualitative image quality analysis showed better image quality with CS-SPACE for general artifact (P = .024) and CSF-related artifact (P < .001). CSF-related artifacts reduction was more prominent in the older age group (≥ 24 months). Overall image quality (P = .162), SNR (P = .726), and grey-white matter differentiation (P = .397) were comparable between SPACE and CS-SPACE. In conclusion, compressed sensing applied 3D T2-weighted images showed comparable or superior image quality compared to conventional images with reduced acquisition time for paediatric brain.
The image quality analysis of neutron digital radiography through the variation of multiple image capturing
