Enhanced Image Processing Using Complex Averaging in Diffusion-Weighted Imaging of the Prostate: The Impact on Image Quality and Lesion Detectability
Diffusion-weighted images of the prostate can suffer from a “hazy” background in low signal-intensity areas. We hypothesize that enhanced image processing (EIP) using complex averaging reduces artifacts, noise, and distortion in conventionally acquired diffusion-weighted images and synthesized high...
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MDPI AG
2023-07-01
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Online Access: | https://www.mdpi.com/2075-4418/13/14/2325 |
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author | Sebastian Werner Dominik Zinsser Michael Esser Dominik Nickel Konstantin Nikolaou Ahmed E. Othman |
author_facet | Sebastian Werner Dominik Zinsser Michael Esser Dominik Nickel Konstantin Nikolaou Ahmed E. Othman |
author_sort | Sebastian Werner |
collection | DOAJ |
description | Diffusion-weighted images of the prostate can suffer from a “hazy” background in low signal-intensity areas. We hypothesize that enhanced image processing (EIP) using complex averaging reduces artifacts, noise, and distortion in conventionally acquired diffusion-weighted images and synthesized high b-value images, thus leading to higher image quality and better detection of potentially malignant lesions. Conventional DWI trace images with a b-value of 1000 s/mm<sup>2</sup> (b1000), calculated images with a b-value of 2000 s/mm<sup>2</sup> (cb2000), and ADC maps of 3T multiparametric prostate MRIs in 53 patients (age 68.8 ± 10 years) were retrospectively evaluated. Standard images were compared to images using EIP. In the standard images, 36 lesions were detected in the peripheral zone and 20 in the transition zone. In 13 patients, EIP led to the detection of 8 additional lesions and the upgrading of 6 lesions; 6 of these patients were diagnosed with prostate carcinoma Gleason 7 or 8. EIP improved qualitative ratings for overall image quality and lesion detectability. Artifacts were significantly reduced in the cb2000 images. Quantitative measurements for lesion detectability expressed as an SI ratio were significantly improved. EIP using complex averaging led to image quality improvements in acquired and synthesized DWI, potentially resulting in elevated diagnostic accuracy and management changes. |
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issn | 2075-4418 |
language | English |
last_indexed | 2024-03-11T01:09:25Z |
publishDate | 2023-07-01 |
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spelling | doaj.art-1c3ece0791074e80950c2cd3703394662023-11-18T18:57:08ZengMDPI AGDiagnostics2075-44182023-07-011314232510.3390/diagnostics13142325Enhanced Image Processing Using Complex Averaging in Diffusion-Weighted Imaging of the Prostate: The Impact on Image Quality and Lesion DetectabilitySebastian Werner0Dominik Zinsser1Michael Esser2Dominik Nickel3Konstantin Nikolaou4Ahmed E. Othman5Department of Diagnostic and Interventional Radiology, Eberhard Karls University, Tuebingen University Hospital, 72076 Tuebingen, GermanyDepartment of Diagnostic and Interventional Radiology, Eberhard Karls University, Tuebingen University Hospital, 72076 Tuebingen, GermanyDepartment of Diagnostic and Interventional Radiology, Eberhard Karls University, Tuebingen University Hospital, 72076 Tuebingen, GermanyMR Application Predevelopment, Siemens Healthineers, 91052 Erlangen, GermanyDepartment of Diagnostic and Interventional Radiology, Eberhard Karls University, Tuebingen University Hospital, 72076 Tuebingen, GermanyDepartment of Neuroradiology, University Medical Center Mainz, 55131 Mainz, GermanyDiffusion-weighted images of the prostate can suffer from a “hazy” background in low signal-intensity areas. We hypothesize that enhanced image processing (EIP) using complex averaging reduces artifacts, noise, and distortion in conventionally acquired diffusion-weighted images and synthesized high b-value images, thus leading to higher image quality and better detection of potentially malignant lesions. Conventional DWI trace images with a b-value of 1000 s/mm<sup>2</sup> (b1000), calculated images with a b-value of 2000 s/mm<sup>2</sup> (cb2000), and ADC maps of 3T multiparametric prostate MRIs in 53 patients (age 68.8 ± 10 years) were retrospectively evaluated. Standard images were compared to images using EIP. In the standard images, 36 lesions were detected in the peripheral zone and 20 in the transition zone. In 13 patients, EIP led to the detection of 8 additional lesions and the upgrading of 6 lesions; 6 of these patients were diagnosed with prostate carcinoma Gleason 7 or 8. EIP improved qualitative ratings for overall image quality and lesion detectability. Artifacts were significantly reduced in the cb2000 images. Quantitative measurements for lesion detectability expressed as an SI ratio were significantly improved. EIP using complex averaging led to image quality improvements in acquired and synthesized DWI, potentially resulting in elevated diagnostic accuracy and management changes.https://www.mdpi.com/2075-4418/13/14/2325image qualitymultiparametric MRIprostate cancerdiffusion-weighted imaginghigh b-valuecomplex averaging |
spellingShingle | Sebastian Werner Dominik Zinsser Michael Esser Dominik Nickel Konstantin Nikolaou Ahmed E. Othman Enhanced Image Processing Using Complex Averaging in Diffusion-Weighted Imaging of the Prostate: The Impact on Image Quality and Lesion Detectability Diagnostics image quality multiparametric MRI prostate cancer diffusion-weighted imaging high b-value complex averaging |
title | Enhanced Image Processing Using Complex Averaging in Diffusion-Weighted Imaging of the Prostate: The Impact on Image Quality and Lesion Detectability |
title_full | Enhanced Image Processing Using Complex Averaging in Diffusion-Weighted Imaging of the Prostate: The Impact on Image Quality and Lesion Detectability |
title_fullStr | Enhanced Image Processing Using Complex Averaging in Diffusion-Weighted Imaging of the Prostate: The Impact on Image Quality and Lesion Detectability |
title_full_unstemmed | Enhanced Image Processing Using Complex Averaging in Diffusion-Weighted Imaging of the Prostate: The Impact on Image Quality and Lesion Detectability |
title_short | Enhanced Image Processing Using Complex Averaging in Diffusion-Weighted Imaging of the Prostate: The Impact on Image Quality and Lesion Detectability |
title_sort | enhanced image processing using complex averaging in diffusion weighted imaging of the prostate the impact on image quality and lesion detectability |
topic | image quality multiparametric MRI prostate cancer diffusion-weighted imaging high b-value complex averaging |
url | https://www.mdpi.com/2075-4418/13/14/2325 |
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