By Tarun Sai LomteSep 25 2023Reviewed by Susha Cheriyedath, M.Sc. In a recent study published in the journal Science Advances, researchers described a deep learning -based reconstruction framework to accelerate brain magnetic resonance imaging at 0.055 tesla .
Nevertheless, the lower signal-to-noise ratio at ULF may undermine its clinical value, limiting widespread adoption. Further, nearly all ULF MRI developments rely on conventional image reconstruction methods from high-field MRI, compromising the usefulness of ULF MRI. Therefore, exploring alternative approaches to image reconstruction is necessary to improve the quality and speed of ULF MRI.The study and findings The present study described a DL-enabled framework for rapid brain MRI at ULF.
The PF-SR model reduced PF-related artifacts and noise. Further, there was a substantial enhancement in spatial resolution. When ULF data were reconstructed using the conventional non-DL method, PF-SR outperformed the non-DL method in noise reduction and reconstruction of anatomical structures. The researchers observed that noise and PF-related artifacts were effectively reduced with PF-SR and spatial resolution was enhanced relative to the non-DL method. PF-SR delineated cerebrospinal fluid and white/grey matter. Structures recovered in PF-SR had higher clarity than non-DL and were consistent with the 3 T reference.