Dr. Joel Arun Sursas discusses recent developments in the use of artificial intelligence in medical imaging.

1. Dr. Joel Arun Sursas
ARTIFICIAL INTELLIGENCE
IN IMAGING

2. Radiologists and pathologists depend on
extensive training, expertise, and experience
when interpreting X-rays, CAT scans, MRIs,
and other testing images. However, even the
most skilled and thorough human user is
limited by the physical limitations all of us
deal with. Modern advances in artificial
intelligence and machine learning are rapidly
becoming vital to supplementing and
supporting human users. In some critical
ways, artificial intelligence can provide
results that are beyond the capacity of any
human user. In this article, Dr. Joel Arun
Sursas discusses some recent
developments in the use of artificial
intelligence in medical imaging.

3. Artificial Intelligence and
Cardiovascular Imaging
Patients who present with symptoms indicating the
possibility of a heart-related disease are routinely
given chest radiograph imaging immediately. This
initial imaging serves as a useful initial screening tool
for heart disease. However, initial human
assessments in these situations can be inaccurate.
Artificial intelligence tools can quickly and accurately
identify classic problems with specific heart
structures, allowing cardiologists to prioritize their
analysis of the imaging. Algorithms and other
analytical software can quickly produce reports and
point out any abnormal findings for immediate use by
cardiologists and emergency care providers.

4. Using Artificial Intelligence
In Imaging of Bone Fractures
and Musculoskeletal Injuries
Many fractures, dislocations, and soft tissue injuries are
well-known to be hard to see and interpret accurately by
human users. Assessment of trauma patients often initially
focuses on higher priority injuries than bone fractures, such
as organ damage and internal bleeding. Using artificial
intelligence analysis of musculoskeletal injuries can be very
useful in supplementing an immediate treatment plan with
necessary information regarding the need for stabilization or
surgery. Artificial intelligence analysis is also beneficial in
follow up treatment for procedures like joint replacements.

5. Artificial Intelligence
and Common Cancer
Screenings
Medical imaging is an integral part of many
preventive and routine cancer screenings. Many
cancer tissues are notoriously difficult to
identify conclusively through imaging.
Misreadings can lead to unnecessary additional
testing or can result in the serious problem of
missed malignancy. Artificial intelligence is
instrumental in increasing consistency and
accuracy in measuring and classifying abnormal
imaging. Artificial intelligence can help level the
outcomes between more experienced and less
experienced radiologists.

6. Why Artificial Intelligence Is Not
Ready to Replace Humans
Radiologists have been at the forefront of the development of
artificial intelligence technology in medical imaging. As the
amount of data collected has continued to grow at an amazing
rate, the sensitivity of imaging hardware continues to improve. It
is more capable of capturing information not detectable by the
human eye. Neurological, musculoskeletal, cardiovascular, lung,
and abdominal imaging are all advancing in ways not imaginable
even in the recent past. Artificial intelligence will continue to be
central to processing and interpreting medical imaging, but it will
not be replacing human users anytime soon. Humans are still
needed to finalize interpretations, consult and communicate
regarding diagnoses, work directly with patients, and use
professional judgment. Artificial intelligence in medical imaging is
a fantastic tool. Still, it is not ready to pass the Turing test (a test
to determine if a computer processor has true human capabilities
in addition to mechanical powers of observation) yet.

7. About Dr. Joel Arun Sursas
Dr. Joel Arun Sursas is a Medical Doctor and Health Informatician and works
tirelessly at solving administrative problems in healthcare through the design and
implementation of advanced medical information technologies. He facilitates
technological advances between doctors and engineers to improve patient outcomes
through improved monitoring while protecting patient privacy. His interest in the field
of Medical Informatics emerged when he began working as a Project Officer for
PACES — the Patient Care Enhancement System for Singapore Armed Forces (SAF).
Dr. Sursas holds degrees in Medicine and Surgery from the National University of
Singapore and is currently working on post-graduate Health Science Informatics from
Harvard Medical School and Johns Hopkins University. He is currently engaged with
Biorithm, a medical device start-up company as Head of Clinical Affairs.