Application Value of Intelligent Quick Magnetic Resonance for Accelerating Brain MR Scanning and Improving Image Quality in Acute Ischemic Stroke.

INTRODUCTION

This study aimed to evaluate the effectiveness of intelligent quick magnetic resonance (IQMR) for accelerating brain MRI scanning and improving image quality in patients with acute ischemic stroke.

METHODS

In this prospective study, 58 patients with acute ischemic stroke underwent head MRI examinations between July 2023 and January 2024, including diffusion-weighted imaging and both conventional and accelerated T1-weighted, T2-weighted, and T2 fluid-attenuated inversion recovery fat-saturated (T2-FLAIR) sequences. Accelerated sequences were processed using IQMR, producing IQMR-T1WI, IQMR-T2WI, and IQMR-T2-FLAIR images. Image quality was assessed qualitatively by two readers using a five-point Likert scale (1 = non-diagnostic to 5 = excellent). Signal-to-noise ratio (SNR) and contrast-to-noise ratio (CNR) of lesions and surrounding tissues were quantitatively measured. The Alberta Stroke Program Early CT Score (ASPECTS) was used to evaluate ischemia severity.

RESULTS

Total scan time was reduced from 5 minutes 9 seconds to 2 minutes 40 seconds, accounting for a reduction of 48.22%. IQMR significantly improved SNR/CNR in accelerated sequences (P < .05), achieving parity with routine sequences (P > .05). Qualitative scores for lesion conspicuity and internal display improved post-IQMR (P < .05).. ASPECTS showed no significant difference between IQMR and routine images (P = 0.79; ICC = 0.91-0.93).

DISCUSSION: IQMR addressed MRI's slow scanning limitation without hardware modifications, enhancing diagnostic efficiency. The results have been found to align with advancements in deep learning. Limitations included the small sample size and the exclusion of functional sequences.

CONCLUSION

IQMR could significantly reduce brain MRI scanning time and enhance image quality in patients with acute ischemic stroke.