Bronchial artery chemoembolization (BACE) is a new treatment method for lung cancer. This study aimed to investigate the ability of dual-energy computed tomography (DECT) to predict early recurrence (ER) after BACE among patients with non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) who failed first-line therapy. Clinical and imaging data from NSCLC patients undergoing BACE at Wenzhou Medical University Affiliated Fifth *** Hospital (10/2023-06/2024) were retrospectively analyzed. Logistic regression (LR) machine learning models were developed using 5 arterial-phase (AP) virtual monoenergetic images (VMIs; 40, 70, 100, 120, and 150 keV), while deep learning models utilized ResNet50/101/152 architectures with iodine maps. A combined model integrating optimal Rad-score, DL-score, and clinical features was established. Model performance was assessed via area under the receiver operating characteristic curve analysis (AUC), with SHapley Additive exPlanations (SHAP) framework applied for interpretability. A total of 196 patients were enrolled in this study (training cohort: n=158; testing cohort: n=38). The 100 keV machine learning model demonstrated superior performance (AUC=0.751) compared to other VMIs. The deep learning model based on the ResNet101 method (AUC=0.791) performed better than other approaches. The hybrid model combining Rad-score-100keV-A, Rad-score-100keV-V, DL-score-ResNet101-A, DL-score-ResNet101-V, and clinical features exhibited the best performance (AUC=0.798) among all models. DECT holds promise for predicting ER after BACE among NSCLC patients who have failed first-line therapy, offering valuable guidance for clinical treatment planning.

We developed a machine learning model comprising morphological characteristics, enhancement dynamics, and extracellular volume (ECV) fractions for distinguishing malignant and benign small renal masses (SRMs), supporting personalised management. This retrospective analysis involved 230 patients who underwent SRM resection with preoperative imaging, including 185 internal and 45 external cases. The internal cohort was split into training (n=136) and validation (n=49) sets. Histopathological evaluation categorised the lesions as renal cell carcinomas (n=183) or benign masses (n=47). Eleven multiphasic contrast-enhanced computed tomography (CT) parameters, including the ECV fraction, were manually measured, along with clinical and laboratory data. Feature selection involved univariate analysis and least absolute shrinkage and selection operator regularisation. Feature selection informed various machine learning classifiers, and performance was evaluated using receiver operating characteristic curves and classification tests. The optimal model was interpreted using SHapley Additive exPlanations (SHAP). The analysis included 183 carcinoma and 47 benign SRM cases. Feature selection identified seven discriminative parameters, including the ECV fraction, which informed multiple machine learning models. The Extreme Gradient Boosting model incorporating ECV exhibited optimal performance in distinguishing malignant and benign SRMs, achieving area under the curve values of 0.993 (internal training set), 0.986 (internal validation set), and 0.951 (external test set). SHAP analysis confirmed ECV as the top contributor to SRM characterisation. The integration of multiphase contrast-enhanced CT-derived ECV fraction with conventional contrast-enhanced CT parameters demonstrated diagnostic efficacy in differentiating malignant and benign SRMs.

Coronary artery disease (CAD) remains the leading cause of death globally, with computed tomography coronary angiography (CTCA) serving as a key diagnostic tool. However, coronary arterial analysis using CTCA, such as identifying artery-specific features from computational modelling, is labour-intensive and time-consuming. Automated anatomical labelling of coronary arteries offers a potential solution, yet the inherent anatomical variability of coronary trees presents a significant challenge. Traditional knowledge-based labelling methods fall short in leveraging data-driven insights, while recent deep-learning approaches often demand substantial computational resources and overlook critical clinical knowledge. To address these limitations, we propose a lightweight method that integrates anatomical knowledge with rule-based topology constraints for effective coronary artery labelling. Our approach achieves state-of-the-art performance on benchmark datasets, providing a promising alternative for automated coronary artery labelling.

To compare the lesion detectability of hypovascular liver metastases between 70-keV and 40-keV images from dual energy-computed tomography (CT) reconstructed with deep-learning image reconstruction (DLIR). This multi-institutional, retrospective study included adult patients both pre- and post-treatment for gastrointestinal adenocarcinoma. All patients underwent contrast-enhanced CT with reconstruction at 40-keV and 70-keV. Liver metastases were confirmed using gadoxetic acid-enhanced magnetic resonance imaging. Four radiologists independently assessed lesion conspicuity (per-patient and per-lesion) using a 5-point scale. A radiologic technologist measured image noise, tumor-to-liver contrast, and contrast-to-noise ratio (CNR). Quantitative and qualitative results were compared between 70-keV and 40-keV images. The study included 138 patients (mean age, 69 ± 12 years; 80 men) with 208 liver metastases. Seventy-one patients had liver metastases, while 67 did not. Primary cancer sites included 68 cases of pancreas, 50 colorectal, 12 stomach, and 8 gallbladder/bile duct. No significant difference in per-patient lesion detectability was found between 70-keV images (sensitivity, 71.8-90.1%; specificity, 61.2-85.1%; accuracy, 73.9-79.7%) and 40-keV images (sensitivity, 76.1-90.1%; specificity, 53.7-82.1%; accuracy, 71.7-79.0%) (p = 0.18-> 0.99). Similarly, no significant difference in per-lesion lesion detectability was observed between 70-keV (sensitivity, 67.3-82.2%) and 40-keV images (sensitivity, 68.8-81.7%) (p = 0.20-> 0.99). However, Image noise was significantly higher at 40 keV, along with greater tumor-to-liver contrast and CNRs for both hepatic parenchyma and tumors (p < 0.01). There was no significant difference in hypovascular liver metastases detectability between 70-keV and 40-keV images using the DLIR technology.

To assess the efficacy of super-resolution deep learning reconstruction (SR-DLR) with motion reduction algorithm (SR-DLR-M) in mitigating aorta motion artifacts compared to SR-DLR and deep learning reconstruction with motion reduction algorithm (DLR-M). This retrospective study included 86 patients (mean age, 65.0 ± 14.1 years; 53 males) who underwent contrast-enhanced CT including the chest region. CT images were reconstructed with SR-DLR-M, SR-DLR, and DLR-M. Circular or ovoid regions of interest were placed on the aorta, and the standard deviation of the CT attenuation was recorded as quantitative noise. From the CT attenuation profile along a line region of interest that intersected the left common carotid artery wall, edge rise slope and edge rise distance were calculated. Two readers assessed the images based on artifact, sharpness, noise, structure depiction, and diagnostic acceptability (for aortic dissection). Quantitative noise was 7.4/5.4/8.3 Hounsfield unit (HU) in SR-DLR-M/SR-DLR/DLR-M. Significant differences were observed between SR-DLR-M vs. SR-DLR and DLR-M (p < 0.001). Edge rise slope and edge rise distance were 107.1/108.8/85.8 HU/mm and 1.6/1.5/2.0 mm, respectively, in SR-DLR-M/SR-DLR/DLR-M. Statistically significant differences were detected between SR-DLR-M vs. DLR-M (p ≤ 0.001 for both). Two readers scored artifacts in SR-DLR-M as significantly better than those in SR-DLR (p < 0.001). Scores for sharpness, noise, and structure depiction in SR-DLR-M were significantly better than those in DLR-M (p ≤ 0.005). Diagnostic acceptability in SR-DLR-M was significantly better than that in SR-DLR and DLR-M (p < 0.001). SR-DLR-M provided significantly better CT images in diagnosing aortic dissection compared to SR-DLR and DLR-M.

To develop and validate a deep learning model for automated 3D segmentation of rotator cuff muscles on longitudinal CT scans to quantify muscle volume and fat fraction in patients undergoing total shoulder arthroplasty (TSA). The proposed segmentation models adopted DeepLabV3 + with ResNet50 as the backbone. The models were trained, validated, and tested on preoperative or minimum 2-year follow-up CT scans from 53 TSA subjects. 3D Dice similarity scores, average symmetric surface distance (ASSD), 95th percentile Hausdorff distance (HD95), and relative absolute volume difference (RAVD) were used to evaluate the model performance on hold-out test sets. The trained models were applied to a cohort of 172 patients to quantify rotator cuff muscle volumes and fat fractions across preoperative and minimum 2- and 5-year follow-ups. Compared to the ground truth, the models achieved mean Dice of 0.928 and 0.916, mean ASSD of 0.844 mm and 1.028 mm, mean HD95 of 3.071 mm and 4.173 mm, and mean RAVD of 0.025 and 0.068 on the hold-out test sets for the pre-operative and the minimum 2-year follow-up CT scans, respectively. This study developed accurate and reliable deep learning models for automated 3D segmentation of rotator cuff muscles on clinical CT scans in TSA patients. These models substantially reduce the time required for muscle volume and fat fraction analysis and provide a practical tool for investigating how rotator cuff muscle health relates to surgical outcomes. This has the potential to inform patient selection, rehabilitation planning, and surgical decision-making in TSA and RCR.

Lung cancer (LC) is one of the leading causes of cancer related deaths worldwide and early recognition is critical for enhancing patient outcomes. However, existing LC detection techniques face challenges such as high computational demands, complex data integration, scalability limitations, and difficulties in achieving rigorous clinical validation. This research proposes an Enhanced Hyper Tuning Deep Learning (EHTDL) model utilizing bioinspired algorithms to overcome these limitations and improve accuracy and efficiency of LC detection and classification. The methodology begins with the Smooth Edge Enhancement (SEE) technique for preprocessing CT images, followed by feature extraction using GLCM-based Texture Analysis. To refine the features and reduce dimensionality, a Hybrid Feature Selection approach combining Grey Wolf optimization (GWO) and Differential Evolution (DE) is employed. Precise lung segmentation is performed using Mask R-CNN to ensure accurate delineation of lung regions. A Deep Fractal Edge Classifier (DFEC) is introduced, consisting of five fractal blocks with convolutional layers and pooling to progressively learn LC characteristics. The proposed EHTDL model achieves remarkable performance metrics, including 99% accuracy, 100% precision, 98% recall, and 99% <i>F</i>1-score, demonstrating its robustness and effectiveness. The model's scalability and efficiency make it suitable for real-time clinical application offering a promising solution for early LC detection and significantly enhancing patient care.

Brain stroke is an illness which affects almost every age group, particularly people over 65. There are two significant kinds of strokes: ischemic and hemorrhagic strokes. Blockage of brain vessels causes an ischemic stroke, while cracks in blood vessels in or around the brain cause a hemorrhagic stroke. In the prompt analysis of brain stroke, patients can live an easier life. Recognizing strokes using medical imaging is crucial for early diagnosis and treatment planning. Conversely, access to innovative imaging methods is restricted, particularly in emerging states, so it is challenging to analyze brain stroke cases of disabled people appropriately. Hence, the development of more accurate, faster, and more reliable diagnostic models for the timely recognition and efficient treatment of ischemic stroke is greatly needed. Artificial intelligence technologies, primarily deep learning (DL), have been widely employed in medical imaging, utilizing automated detection methods. This paper presents an Enhanced Brain Stroke Detection and Classification using Artificial Intelligence with Feature Fusion Technologies (EBSDC-AIFFT) model. This paper aims to develop an enhanced brain stroke detection system for individuals with disabilities, utilizing biomedical images to improve diagnostic accuracy. Initially, the image pre-processing stage involves various steps, including resizing, normalization, data augmentation, and data splitting, to enhance image quality. In addition, the EBSDC-AIFFT model combines the Inception-ResNet-v2 model, the convolutional block attention module-ResNet18 method, and the multi-axis vision transformer technique for feature extraction. Finally, the variational autoencoder (VAE) model is implemented for the classification process. The performance validation of the EBSDC-AIFFT technique is performed under the brain stroke CT image dataset. The comparison study of the EBSDC-AIFFT technique demonstrated a superior accuracy value of 99.09% over existing models.

To analyze the methodological quality of studies on deep learning (DL) in rib fracture imaging with the Must AI Criteria-10 (MAIC-10) checklist, and to report insights and experiences regarding the applicability of the MAIC-10 checklist. An electronic literature search was conducted on the PubMed database. After selection of articles, three radiologists independently rated the articles according to MAIC-10. Differences of the MAIC-10 score for each checklist item were assessed using the Fleiss' kappa coefficient. A total of 25 original articles discussing DL applications in rib fracture imaging were identified. Most studies focused on fracture detection (n = 21, 84%). In most of the research papers, internal cross-validation of the dataset was performed (n = 16, 64%), while only six studies (24%) conducted external validation. The mean MAIC-10 score of the 25 studies was 5.63 (SD, 1.84; range 1-8), with the item "clinical need" being reported most consistently (100%) and the item "study design" being most frequently reported incompletely (94.8%). The average inter-rater agreement for the MAIC-10 score was 0.771. The MAIC-10 checklist is a valid tool for assessing the quality of AI research in medical imaging with good inter-rater agreement. With regard to rib fracture imaging, items such as "study design", "explainability", and "transparency" were often not comprehensively addressed. AI in medical imaging has become increasingly common. Therefore, quality control systems of published literature such as the MAIC-10 checklist are needed to ensure high quality research output. Quality control systems are needed for research on AI in medical imaging. The MAIC-10 checklist is a valid tool to assess AI in medical imaging research quality. Checklist items such as "study design", "explainability", and "transparency" are frequently addressed incomprehensively.

Decreased kidney volume is a sign of renal aging and/or decreased vascularization. The aim of this study was to determine whether renal volume changes 24 months after exclusion of an abdominal aortic aneurysm (AAA), and to compare fenestrated (FEVAR) and subrenal (EVAR) stents. Retrospective single-center study from a prospective registry, including patients between 60 and 80 years with normal preoperative renal function (eGFR≥60 ml/min/1.73 m^-2) who underwent fenestrated (FEVAR) or infrarenal (EVAR) stent grafts between 2015 and 2021. Patients had to have had an CT scan at 24 months of the study to be included. Exclusion criteria were renal branches, the presence of preoperative renal insufficiency, a single kidney, embolization or coverage of an accessory renal artery, occlusion of a renal artery during follow-up and mention of AAA rupture. Renal volume was measured using sizing software (EndoSize, therenva) based on fully automatic deep-learning segmentation of several anatomical structures (arterial lumen, bone structure, thrombus, heart, etc.), including the kidneys. In the presence of renal cysts, these were manually excluded from the segmentation. Forty-eight patients were included (24 EVAR vs. 24 FEVAR), 96 kidneys were segmented. There was no difference between groups in age (78.9±6.7 years vs. 69.4±6.8, p=0.89), eGFR 85.8 ± 12.4 [62-107] ml/min/1.73 m^-2 vs. 81 ± 16.2 [42-107] (p=0.36), and renal volume 170.9 ± 29.7 [123-276] mL vs. 165.3 ± 37.4 [115-298] (p=0.12). At 24 months in the EVAR group, there was a non-significant reduction in eGFR 84.1 ± 17.2 [61-128] ml/min/1.73 m^-2 vs. 81 ± 16.2 [42-107] (p=0.36) or renal volume 170.9 ± 29.7 [123-276] mL vs. 165.3 ± 37.4 [115-298] (p=0.12). In the FEVAR group, at 24 months there was a non-significant fall in eGFR 84.1 ± 17.2 [61-128] ml/min/1.73 m^-2 vs. 73.8 ± 21.4 [40-110] (p=0.09), while renal volume decreased significantly 182 ± 37.8 [123-293] mL vs. 158.9 ± 40.2 [45-258] (p=0.007). In this study, there appears to be a significant decrease in renal volume without a drop in eGFR 24 months after fenestrated stenting. This decrease may reflect changes in renal perfusion and could potentially be predictive of long-term renal impairment, although this cannot be confirmed within the limits of this small sample. Further studies with long-term follow-up are needed.