Image quality of whole-body diffusion MR images comparing deep-learning accelerated and conventional sequences.

objectivesTo compare the image quality of deep learning accelerated whole-body (WB) with conventional diffusion sequences.

methodsFifty consecutive patients with bone marrow cancer underwent WB-MRI. Two experts compared axial b900 s/mm

resultsOverall, radiologists preferred either axial DRB b900 and/or corresponding MIP images in almost 80% of the patients, particularly in patients with a high body-mass index (BMI > 25 kg/m

conclusionDRB sequences produce higher-quality axial DWI, resulting in improved MIPs and significantly reduced acquisition times. However, differences in the ADC values of normal tissues need to be considered. CLINICAL RELEVANCE STATEMENT: Deep learning accelerated diffusion sequences produce high-quality axial images and MIP at reduced acquisition times. This advancement could enable the increased adoption of Whole Body-MRI for the evaluation of patients with bone marrow cancer. KEY POINTS: Deep learning reconstruction enables a more than 50% reduction in acquisition time for WB diffusion sequences. DRB images were preferred by radiologists in almost 80% of cases due to fewer artefacts, improved background signal suppression, higher signal-to-noise ratio, and increased lesion conspicuity in patients with higher body mass index. Cancer lesion diffusivity from DRB images was not different from conventional sequences.