Improving aortic aneurysm detection with artificial intelligence based on chest computed tomography data

Abstract

BACKGROUND: Aortic aneurysms are known as “silent killers” because this potentially fatal condition can be asymptomatic. The annual incidence of thoracic aortic aneurysms and ruptures is approximately 10 and 1.6 per 100,000 individuals, respectively. The mortality rate for ruptured aneurysms ranges from 94% to 100%. Early diagnosis and treatment can be life-saving. Artificial intelligence technologies can significantly improve diagnostic accuracy and save the lives of patients with thoracic aortic aneurysms. AIM: This study aimed to assess the efficacy of artificial intelligence technologies for detecting thoracic aortic aneurysms on chest computed tomography scans, as well as the possibility of using artificial intelligence as a clinical decision support system for radiologists during the primary interpretation of radiological images. MATERIALS AND METHODS: The results of using artificial intelligence technologies for detecting thoracic aortic aneurysms on non-contrast chest computed tomography scans were evaluated. A sample of 84,405 patients 18 years old was generated, with 86 cases of suspected thoracic aortic aneurysms based on artificial intelligence data selected and retrospectively assessed by radiologists and vascular surgeons. To assess the age distribution of the aortic diameter, an additional sample of 968 cases was randomly selected from the total number. RESULTS: In 44 cases, aneurysms were initially identified by radiologists, whereas in 31 cases, aneurysms were not detected initially; however, artificial intelligence aided in their detection. Six studies were excluded, and five studies had false-positive results. Artificial intelligence aids in detecting and highlighting aortic pathological changes in medical images, increasing the detection rate of thoracic aortic aneurysms by 41% when interpreting chest computed tomography scans. The use of artificial intelligence technologies for primary interpretations of radiological studies and retrospective assessments is advisable to prevent underdiagnosis of clinically significant pathologies and improve the detection rate of pathological aortic enlargement. In the additional sample, the incidence of thoracic aortic dilation and thoracic aortic aneurysms in adults was 14.5% and 1.2%, respectively. The findings also revealed an age-dependent diameter of the thoracic aorta in both men and women. CONCLUSION: The use of artificial intelligence technologies in the primary interpretation of chest computed tomography scans can improve the detection rate of clinically significant pathologies such as thoracic aortic aneurysms. Expanding retrospective screening based on chest computed tomography scans using artificial intelligence can improve the diagnosis of concomitant pathologies and prevent negative consequences.