Validation of Compressed Sensing Accelerated Magnetization Prepared Rapid Acquisition Gradient Echo for Fast and Reliable Brain Volume Measurement

Abstract

Objectives: To assess the clinical viability of compressed sensing magnetization, we prepared a rapid acquisition gradient echo (CS-MPRAGE) for brain volume measurement by comparing its scan time and image quality with standard MPRAGE. Methods: In this retrospective study, we analyzed a total of 40 morphologically normal MRIs from relatively young subjects (mean age 27.03 ± 5.02, range 19~40, F:M = 33:7) who underwent both CS-MPRAGE and standard MPRAGE. MRI was performed with a 3T MR scanner using a 64-channel head coil. Volumetric data analysis was conducted using commercial AI-powered quantification software. The signal-to-noise ratio (SNR) and contrast-to-noise ratio (CNRgray matter/white matter) were measured and compared. Qualitative analysis based on overall image quality, deep gray matter delineation, artifacts, and gray–white matter differentiation was rated on a five-point visual scoring system. Statistical analyses included paired t-tests, intraclass correlation coefficients (ICCs) and Pearson correlation. Results: CS-MPRAGE had a significantly shorter scan time than standard MPRAGE (1:46 vs. 5:20 min; p < 0.001). Whole-brain volume was similar (standard-MPRAGE, 1176.89 ± 105.36; CS-MPRAGE, 1181.14 ± 105.62 mL; r = 0.988; ICC, 0.9754–0.9931). Gray matter and regional lobe volumes were comparable, while the white matter volume was slightly larger with CS-MPRAGE. CNR of the gray–white matter was significantly higher with CS-MPRAGE (left, 30.45 ± 11.21 vs. 49.53 ± 32.71; right, 30.73 ± 11.97 vs. 46.89 ± 30.40; p = 0.0001) while SNR were similar across key brain regions. Conclusions: CS-MPRAGE provides high-quality 3D images and reliable volume data with significantly reduced acquisition time and comparable image quality.