Deep residual dense U-Net for resolution enhancement in accelerated MRI acquisition

Pak Lun Kevin Ding, Zhiqiang Li, Yuxiang Zhou, Baoxin Li

Research output: Chapter in Book/Report/Conference proceedingConference contribution

2 Scopus citations

Abstract

Typical Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) scan may take 20 to 60 minutes. Reducing MRI scan time is beneficial for both patient experience and cost considerations. Accelerated MRI scan may be achieved by acquiring less amount of k-space data (down-sampling in the k-space). However, this leads to lower resolution and aliasing artifacts for the reconstructed images. There are many existing approaches for attempting to reconstruct high-quality images from down-sampled k-space data, with varying complexity and performance. In recent years, deep-learning approaches have been proposed for this task, and promising results have been reported. Still, the problem remains challenging especially because of the high fidelity requirement in most medical applications employing reconstructed MRI images. In this work, we propose a deep-learning approach, aiming at reconstructing high-quality images from accelerated MRI acquisition. Specifically, we use Convolutional Neural Network (CNN) to learn the differences between the aliased images and the original images, employing a U-Net-like architecture. Further, a micro-architecture termed Residual Dense Block (RDB) is introduced for learning a better feature representation than the plain U-Net. Considering the peculiarity of the downsampled k-space data, we introduce a new term to the loss function in learning, which effectively employs the given k-space data during training to provide additional regularization on the update of the network weights. To evaluate the proposed approach, we compare it with other state-of-the-art methods. In both visual inspection and evaluation using standard metrics, the proposed approach is able to deliver improved performance, demonstrating its potential for providing an effective solution.

Original languageEnglish (US)
Title of host publicationMedical Imaging 2019
Subtitle of host publicationImage Processing
EditorsElsa D. Angelini, Elsa D. Angelini, Elsa D. Angelini, Bennett A. Landman
PublisherSPIE
ISBN (Electronic)9781510625457
DOIs
StatePublished - 2019
EventMedical Imaging 2019: Image Processing - San Diego, United States
Duration: Feb 19 2019Feb 21 2019

Publication series

NameProgress in Biomedical Optics and Imaging - Proceedings of SPIE
Volume10949
ISSN (Print)1605-7422

Conference

ConferenceMedical Imaging 2019: Image Processing
Country/TerritoryUnited States
CitySan Diego
Period2/19/192/21/19

Keywords

  • Accelerated MRI Acquisition
  • Deep Learning
  • U-Net

ASJC Scopus subject areas

  • Electronic, Optical and Magnetic Materials
  • Biomaterials
  • Atomic and Molecular Physics, and Optics
  • Radiology Nuclear Medicine and imaging

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