Artificial Intelligence

Artificial intelligence (AI) is becoming a crucial component of healthcare to help augment physicians and make them more efficient. In medical imaging, it is helping radiologists more efficiently manage PACS worklists, enable structured reporting, auto detect injuries and diseases, and to pull in relevant prior exams and patient data. In cardiology, AI is helping automate tasks and measurements on imaging and in reporting systems, guides novice echo users to improve imaging and accuracy, and can risk stratify patients. AI includes deep learning algorithms, machine learning, computer-aided detection (CAD) systems, and convolutional neural networks. 

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AI tool helps identify 'invisible' head injuries on MRIs of college athletes

The tool uses a machine learning technique to identify changes on brain MRIs that would otherwise be overlooked by radiologists due to the subtlety of alterations. 

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Ultrasound AI could help standardize trauma care

Trauma patients who present with poor blood flow and suspected abdominal hemorrhage are well served by emergency physicians using AI-augmented FAST imaging.

artificial intelligence in radiology medical imaging interpretation

Interpretive AI for medical imaging: 5 points of skepticism, idealism

Surveying the landscape of interpretive AI in radiology, two researchers note a yawning gap between great expectations set in the recent past and actual clinical implementations as of spring 2023.

A comparison of standard 2D mammography (right) and digital breast tomosynthesis (DBT), or 3D mammography (left). The DBT creates a data set of 1 mm slices that the radiologist can look through to see more detail in suspect areas and determine if it dense breast tissue is masking a tumor.

Standalone AI excels at reading digital mammograms, but how does it hold up with DBT exams?

Standalone AI can significantly outperform radiologists' sensitivity in reading digital mammograms and has shown potential in DBT exams as well, but experts are not yet ready to hand over the reins.

lesion on breast ultrasound

CAD software is especially beneficial for radiologists in rural settings

Judging the software’s utility in rural settings with less experienced readers is important for expanding access to and improving care for patients, authors of a new AJR paper noted.

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New AI tool helps radiologists reduce read times by up to 40%

Its use dropped the average time needed to examine a finding at all timepoints from 107 seconds to 65 seconds, with pulmonary nodule assessments benefiting from the greatest reductions.

Philips launches new AI-powered CT system said to improve workflows, increase returns

Philips has developed an AI-powered CT system designed to increase throughput and improve image quality, all while decreasing patient exposure to ionizing radiation. 

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ChatGPT's radiology board success has experts rethinking resident education

While the AI chatbot’s scores do reflect its impressive strengths, its weaknesses could present a unique opportunity for educators.

Around the web

Positron, a New York-based nuclear imaging company, will now provide Upbeat Cardiology Solutions with advanced PET/CT systems and services. 

The nuclear imaging isotope shortage of molybdenum-99 may be over now that the sidelined reactor is restarting. ASNC's president says PET and new SPECT technologies helped cardiac imaging labs better weather the storm.

CMS has more than doubled the CCTA payment rate from $175 to $357.13. The move, expected to have a significant impact on the utilization of cardiac CT, received immediate praise from imaging specialists.