A Review of Deep Learning CT Reconstruction: Concepts, Limitations, and Promise in Clinical Practice

Abstract Purpose of Review Deep Learning reconstruction (DLR) is the current state-of-the-art method for CT image formation. Comparisons to existing filter back-projection, iterative, and model-based reconstructions are now available in the literature. This review summarizes the prior reconstruction methods, introduces DLR, and then reviews recent findings from DLR from a physics and clinical perspective. Recent Findings DLR has been shown to allow for noise magnitude reductions relative to filtered back-projection without suffering from “plastic” or “blotchy” noise texture that was found objectionable with most iterative and model-based solutions. Clinically, early reader studies have reported increases in subjective quality scores and studies have successfully implemented DLR-enabled dose reductions. Summary The future of CT image reconstruction is bright; deep learning methods have only started to tackle problems in this space via addressing noise reduction. Artifact mitigation and spectral applications likely be future candidates for DLR applications.