Cone-beam computed tomography (CBCT) using only a few X-ray projection views enables faster scans with lower radiation dose, but the resulting severe under-sampling causes strong artifacts and poor spatial coverage. We address these challenges in a unified framework. First, we replace conventional UNet/ResNet encoders with TransUNet, a hybrid CNN-Transformer model. Convolutional layers capture local details, while self-attention layers enhance global context. We adapt TransUNet to CBCT by combining multi-scale features, querying view-specific features per 3D point, and adding a lightweight attenuation-prediction head. This yields Trans-CBCT, which surpasses prior baselines by 1.17 dB PSNR and 0.0163 SSIM on the LUNA16 dataset with six views. Second, we introduce a neighbor-aware Point Transformer to enforce volumetric coherence. This module uses 3D positional encoding and attention over k-nearest neighbors to improve spatial consistency. The resulting model, Trans$^2$-CBCT, provides an additional gain of 0.63 dB PSNR and 0.0117 SSIM. Experiments on LUNA16 and ToothFairy show consistent gains from six to ten views, validating the effectiveness of combining CNN-Transformer features with point-based geometry reasoning for sparse-view CBCT reconstruction.

Deep learning has demonstrated remarkable success in medical image segmentation and computer-aided diagnosis. In particular, numerous advanced methods have achieved state-of-the-art performance in brain tumor segmentation from MRI scans. While recent studies in other medical imaging domains have revealed that integrating textual reports with visual data can enhance segmentation accuracy, the field of brain tumor analysis lacks a comprehensive dataset that combines radiological images with corresponding textual annotations. This limitation has hindered the exploration of multimodal approaches that leverage both imaging and textual data. To bridge this critical gap, we introduce the TextBraTS dataset, the first publicly available volume-level multimodal dataset that contains paired MRI volumes and rich textual annotations, derived from the widely adopted BraTS2020 benchmark. Building upon this novel dataset, we propose a novel baseline framework and sequential cross-attention method for text-guided volumetric medical image segmentation. Through extensive experiments with various text-image fusion strategies and templated text formulations, our approach demonstrates significant improvements in brain tumor segmentation accuracy, offering valuable insights into effective multimodal integration techniques. Our dataset, implementation code, and pre-trained models are publicly available at https://github.com/Jupitern52/TextBraTS.

Following successful large-vessel recanalization via endovascular thrombectomy (EVT) for acute ischemic stroke (AIS), some patients experience a complication known as no-reflow, defined by persistent microvascular hypoperfusion that undermines tissue recovery and worsens clinical outcomes. Although prompt identification is crucial, standard clinical practice relies on perfusion magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) within 24 hours post-procedure, delaying intervention. In this work, we introduce the first-ever machine learning (ML) framework to predict no-reflow immediately after EVT by leveraging previously unexplored intra-procedural digital subtraction angiography (DSA) sequences and clinical variables. Our retrospective analysis included AIS patients treated at UCLA Medical Center (2011-2024) who achieved favorable mTICI scores (2b-3) and underwent pre- and post-procedure MRI. No-reflow was defined as persistent hypoperfusion (Tmax > 6 s) on post-procedural imaging. From DSA sequences (AP and lateral views), we extracted statistical and temporal perfusion features from the target downstream territory to train ML classifiers for predicting no-reflow. Our novel method significantly outperformed a clinical-features baseline(AUC: 0.7703 $\pm$ 0.12 vs. 0.5728 $\pm$ 0.12; accuracy: 0.8125 $\pm$ 0.10 vs. 0.6331 $\pm$ 0.09), demonstrating that real-time DSA perfusion dynamics encode critical insights into microvascular integrity. This approach establishes a foundation for immediate, accurate no-reflow prediction, enabling clinicians to proactively manage high-risk patients without reliance on delayed imaging.

This study aims to explore research hotspots and development trends in molecular imaging of glioma from 2014 to 2024. A total of 2957 publications indexed in the web of science core collection (WoSCC) were analyzed using bibliometric techniques. To visualize the research landscape, co-citation clustering, keyword analysis, and technological trend mapping were performed using CiteSpace and Excel. Publication output peaked in 2021. Emerging research trends included the integration of radiomics and artificial intelligence and the application of novel imaging modalities such as positron emission tomography and magnetic resonance spectroscopy. Significant progress was observed in blood-brain barrier disruption techniques and the development of molecular probes, especially those targeting IDH and MGMT mutations. Molecular imaging has been pivotal in advancing glioma research, contributing to improved diagnostic accuracy and personalized treatment strategies. However, challenges such as clinical translation and standardization remain. Future studies should focus on integrating advanced technologies into routine clinical practice to enhance patient care.

This review explores the transformative role of artificial intelligence (AI) in the early detection and prognosis prediction of diabetic retinopathy (DR), a leading cause of vision loss in diabetic patients. AI, particularly deep learning and convolutional neural networks (CNNs), has demonstrated remarkable accuracy in analyzing retinal images, identifying early-stage DR with high sensitivity and specificity. These advancements address critical challenges such as intergrader variability in manual screening and the limited availability of specialists, especially in underserved regions. The integration of AI with telemedicine has further enhanced accessibility, enabling remote screening through portable devices and smartphone-based imaging. Economically, AI-based systems reduce healthcare costs by optimizing resource allocation and minimizing unnecessary referrals. Key findings highlight the dominance of Medicine (819 documents) and Computer Science (613 documents) in research output, reflecting the interdisciplinary nature of this field. Geographically, China, the United States, and India lead in contributions, underscoring global efforts to combat DR. Despite these successes, challenges such as algorithmic bias, data privacy, and the need for explainable AI (XAI) remain. Future research should focus on multi-center validation, diverse AI methodologies, and clinician-friendly tools to ensure equitable adoption. By addressing these gaps, AI can revolutionize DR management, reducing the global burden of diabetes-related blindness through early intervention and scalable solutions.

Spinal cord injury (SCI) can severely impair motor and autonomic function, with long-term consequences for quality of life. Epidural stimulation has emerged as a promising intervention, offering partial recovery by activating neural circuits below the injury. To make this therapy effective in practice, precise placement of stimulation electrodes is essential -- and that requires accurate segmentation of spinal cord structures in MRI data. We present a protocol for manual segmentation tailored to SCI anatomy, and evaluated a deep learning approach using a U-Net architecture to automate this segmentation process. Our approach yields accurate, efficient segmentation that identify potential electrode placement sites with high fidelity. Preliminary results suggest that this framework can accelerate SCI MRI analysis and improve planning for epidural stimulation, helping bridge the gap between advanced neurotechnologies and real-world clinical application with faster surgeries and more accurate electrode placement.

Large language models (LLMs) like ChatGPT are increasingly used in medicine due to their ability to synthesize information and support clinical decision-making. While prior research has evaluated ChatGPT's performance on medical board exams, limited data exist on radiology-specific exams especially considering prompt strategies and input modalities. This meta-analysis reviews ChatGPT's performance on radiology board-style questions, assessing accuracy across radiology subspecialties, prompt engineering methods, GPT model versions, and input modalities. Searches in PubMed and SCOPUS identified 163 articles, of which 16 met inclusion criteria after excluding irrelevant topics and non-board exam evaluations. Data extracted included subspecialty topics, accuracy, question count, GPT model, input modality, prompting strategies, and access dates. Statistical analyses included two-proportion z-tests, a binomial generalized linear model (GLM), and meta-regression with random effects (Stata v18.0, R v4.3.1). Across 7024 questions, overall accuracy was 58.83 % (95 % CI, 55.53-62.13). Performance varied widely by subspecialty, highest in emergency radiology (73.00 %) and lowest in musculoskeletal radiology (49.24 %). GPT-4 and GPT-4o significantly outperformed GPT-3.5 (p < .001), but visual inputs yielded lower accuracy (46.52 %) compared to textual inputs (67.10 %, p < .001). Prompting strategies showed significant improvement (p < .01) with basic prompts (66.23 %) compared to no prompts (59.70 %). A modest but significant decline in performance over time was also observed (p < .001). ChatGPT demonstrates promising but inconsistent performance in radiology board-style questions. Limitations in visual reasoning, heterogeneity across studies, and prompt engineering variability highlight areas requiring targeted optimization.

Following successful large-vessel recanalization via endovascular thrombectomy (EVT) for acute ischemic stroke (AIS), some patients experience a complication known as no-reflow, defined by persistent microvascular hypoperfusion that undermines tissue recovery and worsens clinical outcomes. Although prompt identification is crucial, standard clinical practice relies on perfusion magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) within 24 hours post-procedure, delaying intervention. In this work, we introduce the first-ever machine learning (ML) framework to predict no-reflow immediately after EVT by leveraging previously unexplored intra-procedural digital subtraction angiography (DSA) sequences and clinical variables. Our retrospective analysis included AIS patients treated at UCLA Medical Center (2011-2024) who achieved favorable mTICI scores (2b-3) and underwent pre- and post-procedure MRI. No-reflow was defined as persistent hypoperfusion (Tmax > 6 s) on post-procedural imaging. From DSA sequences (AP and lateral views), we extracted statistical and temporal perfusion features from the target downstream territory to train ML classifiers for predicting no-reflow. Our novel method significantly outperformed a clinical-features baseline(AUC: 0.7703 $\pm$ 0.12 vs. 0.5728 $\pm$ 0.12; accuracy: 0.8125 $\pm$ 0.10 vs. 0.6331 $\pm$ 0.09), demonstrating that real-time DSA perfusion dynamics encode critical insights into microvascular integrity. This approach establishes a foundation for immediate, accurate no-reflow prediction, enabling clinicians to proactively manage high-risk patients without reliance on delayed imaging.

Background & purposeLate radiation-associated dysphagia after head and neck cancer (HNC) significantly impacts patients health and quality of life. Conventional normal tissue complication probability (NTCP) models use discrete dose parameters to predict toxicity risk but fail to fully capture the complexity of this side effect. Deep learning (DL) offers potential improvements by incorporating 3D dose data for all anatomical structures involved in swallowing. This study aims to enhance dysphagia prediction with 3D DL NTCP models compared to conventional NTCP models. Materials & methodsA multi-institutional cohort of 1484 HNC patients was used to train and validate a 3D DL model (Residual Network) incorporating 3D dose distributions, organ-at-risk segmentations, and CT scans, with or without patient- or treatment-related data. Predictions of grade [&ge;]2 dysphagia (CTCAEv4) at six months post-treatment were evaluated using area under the curve (AUC) and calibration curves. Results were compared to a conventional NTCP model based on pre-treatment dysphagia, tumour location, and mean dose to swallowing organs. Attention maps highlighting regions of interest for individual patients were assessed. ResultsDL models outperformed the conventional NTCP model in both the independent test set (AUC=0.80-0.84 versus 0.76) and external test set (AUC=0.73-0.74 versus 0.63) in AUC and calibration. Attention maps showed a focus on the oral cavity and superior pharyngeal constrictor muscle. ConclusionDL NTCP models performed better than the conventional NTCP model, suggesting the benefit of using 3D-input over the conventional discrete dose parameters. Attention maps highlighted relevant regions linked to dysphagia, supporting the utility of DL for improved predictions.

PurposeTo develop a deep learning model - Cornea nnU-Net Extractor (CUNEX) - for full-thickness corneal segmentation of anterior segment optical coherence tomography (AS-OCT) images and evaluate its utility in artificial intelligence (AI) research. MethodsWe trained and evaluated CUNEX using nnU-Net on 600 AS-OCT images (CSO MS-39) from 300 patients: 100 normal, 100 keratoconus (KC), and 100 Fuchs endothelial corneal dystrophy (FECD) eyes. To assess generalizability, we externally validated CUNEX on 1,168 AS-OCT images from an infectious keratitis dataset acquired from a different device (Casia SS-1000). We benchmarked CUNEX against two recent models, CorneaNet and ScLNet. We then applied CUNEX to our dataset of 194,599 scans from 37,499 patients as preprocessing for a classification model evaluating whether segmentation improves AI prediction, including age, sex, and disease staging (KC and FECD). ResultsCUNEX achieved Dice similarity coefficient (DSC) and intersection over union (IoU) scores ranging from 94-95% and 90-99%, respectively, across healthy, KC, and FECD eyes. This was similar to ScLNet (within 3%) but better than CorneaNet (8-35% lower). On external validation, CUNEX maintained high performance (DSC 83%; IoU 71%) while ScLNet (DSC 14%; IoU 8%) and CorneaNet (DSC 16%; IoU 9%) failed to generalize. Unexpectedly, segmentation minimally impacted classification accuracy except for sex prediction, where accuracy dropped from 81 to 68%, suggesting sex-related features may lie outside the cornea. ConclusionCUNEX delivers the first open-source generalizable corneal segmentation model using the latest framework, supporting its use in clinical analysis and AI workflows across diseases and imaging platforms. It is available at https://github.com/lkandakji/CUNEX.