Volume measurement by using super-resolution MRI: application to prostate volumetry

Abstract

Accuracy and precision of measurements are important for patient follow up in oncology but, unfortunately, partial volume effects introduce an undesired variability between observers. Super resolution techniques (SR) combine multiple acquisitions of an object into a single image richer in details. Herein, the use of SR for reducing variability is investigated in the specific context of prostate measurements. Prostate is typically imaged by T2-weighted MRI in three perpendicular low resolution images, each of them presenting partial volume effects in the direction of the slice selection gradient. SR techniques allow to combine these images into an image presenting the same level of details in all directions. This is expected to increase the accuracy and reproducibility of volume measurements, which in turn improves other derived measurements like PSA density.