The New Landscape of Diagnostic Imaging with the Incorporation of Computer Vision

Abstract

Diagnostic medical imaging is a key tool in medical care. In recent years, thanks to advances in computer vision research, a subfield of artificial intelligence, it has become possible to use medical imaging to train and test machine learning models. Among the algorithms investigated, there has been a boom in the use of neural networks since they allow a higher level of automation in the learning process. The areas of medical imaging that have developed the most applications are X-rays, computed tomography, positron emission tomography, magnetic resonance imaging, ultrasonography and pathology. In fact, the COVID-19 pandemic has reshaped the research landscape, especially for radiological and resonance imaging. Notwithstanding the great progress that has been observed in the field, obstacles have also arisen that had to be overcome to continue to improve applications. These obstacles include data protection and the expansion of available datasets, which involves a large investment of resources, time and academically trained manpower.