Deep-learned time-signal intensity pattern analysis using an autoencoder captures magnetic resonance perfusion heterogeneity for brain tumor differentiation

Sci Rep. 2020 Dec 8;10(1):21485. doi: 10.1038/s41598-020-78485-x.

Abstract

Current image processing methods for dynamic susceptibility contrast (DSC) magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) do not capture complex dynamic information of time-signal intensity curves. We investigated whether an autoencoder-based pattern analysis of DSC MRI captured representative temporal features that improves tissue characterization and tumor diagnosis in a multicenter setting. The autoencoder was applied to the time-signal intensity curves to obtain representative temporal patterns, which were subsequently learned by a convolutional neural network. This network was trained with 216 preoperative DSC MRI acquisitions and validated using external data (n = 43) collected with different DSC acquisition protocols. The autoencoder applied to time-signal intensity curves and clustering obtained nine representative clusters of temporal patterns, which accurately identified tumor and non-tumoral tissues. The dominant clusters of temporal patterns distinguished primary central nervous system lymphoma (PCNSL) from glioblastoma (AUC 0.89) and metastasis from glioblastoma (AUC 0.95). The autoencoder captured DSC time-signal intensity patterns that improved identification of tumoral tissues and differentiation of tumor type and was generalizable across centers.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Adult
  • Aged
  • Brain Neoplasms / diagnosis
  • Central Nervous System Neoplasms / diagnosis
  • Contrast Media
  • Databases, Factual
  • Diagnosis, Differential
  • Female
  • Glioblastoma / diagnosis
  • Humans
  • Image Processing, Computer-Assisted / methods*
  • Lymphoma / diagnosis
  • Lymphoma, Non-Hodgkin / diagnosis
  • Magnetic Resonance Imaging / methods*
  • Male
  • Middle Aged
  • Neoplasms / diagnostic imaging*
  • Perfusion
  • Retrospective Studies

Substances

  • Contrast Media