Enhancing Super-Resolution Networks through Realistic Thick-Slice CT Simulation

TL;DR

This paper introduces a realistic method for generating thick-slice CT images from thin-slice images to improve training data for super-resolution models, leading to better image quality and clinical relevance.

Contribution

A novel, simple approach to generate realistic thick-slice CT images from thin-slice data, enabling improved training for super-resolution models without complex reconstruction.

Findings

Generated images closely match real data distributions (PSNR=49.74 vs. 40.66).

Radiomics features from our method significantly correlate with mortality in lung fibrosis.

Our approach enhances the training process for deep learning-based CT super-resolution models.

Abstract

Deep learning-based Generative Models have the potential to convert low-resolution CT images into high-resolution counterparts without long acquisition times and increased radiation exposure in thin-slice CT imaging. However, procuring appropriate training data for these Super-Resolution (SR) models is challenging. Previous SR research has simulated thick-slice CT images from thin-slice CT images to create training pairs. However, these methods either rely on simplistic interpolation techniques that lack realism or sinogram reconstruction, which require the release of raw data and complex reconstruction algorithms. Thus, we introduce a simple yet realistic method to generate thick CT images from thin-slice CT images, facilitating the creation of training pairs for SR algorithms. The training pairs produced by our method closely resemble real data distributions (PSNR=49.74 vs. 40.66, p$<$0.05). A multivariate Cox regression analysis involving thick slice CT images with lung fibrosis revealed that only the radiomics features extracted using our method demonstrated a significant correlation with mortality (HR=1.19 and HR=1.14, p$<$0.005). This paper represents the first to identify and address the challenge of generating appropriate paired training data for Deep Learning-based CT SR models, which enhances the efficacy and applicability of SR models in real-world scenarios.