Deep Learning-Based Motion Correction in Projection Domain for Coronary Computed Tomography Angiography: A Clinical Evaluation

Objective: This study aimed to evaluate the clinical performance of a deep learning-based motion correction algorithm (MCA) in projection domain for coronary computed tomography angiography (CCTA). Methods: A total of 192 patients who underwent CCTA examinations were included and divided into 2 groups based on the average heart rate (HR): group 1, 82 patients with HR of <75 beats per minute; group 2, 110 patients with HR of >= 75 beats per minute. The CCTA images were reconstructed with and without MCA. The subjective image quality was graded in terms of vessel visualization, sharpness, diagnostic confidence, and overall image quality using a 5-point scale, where cases with all scores of >= 3 were deemed interpretable. Objective image quality was measured through signal-to-noise ratio and contrast-to-noise ratio in regions relative to the vessels. The image quality scores for 2 reconstructions and effective dose between 2 groups were compared. Results: The mean effective dose was similar between 2 groups. Neither group showed significant difference on objective image quality for 2 reconstructions. Images reconstructed with and without MCA were both found interpretable for group 1, whereas the subjective image quality was significantly improved by the MCA for all 4 metrics in group 2, with the interpretability increased from 80.91% to 99.09%. Compared with group 1, group 2 showed similar interpretability and diagnostic confidence, despite inferior overall image quality. Conclusions: In CCTA examinations, the deep learning-based MCA is capable of improving the image quality and diagnostic confidence for patients with increased HR to a similar level as for those with low HR.