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A Swin Transformer-Based Model for Thyroid Nodule Detection in Ultrasound Images
Published on: April 21, 2023
Use of Machine Learning-Based Software for the Screening of Thyroid Cytopathology Whole Slide Images
David Dov1, Shahar Z Kovalsky2, Qizhang Feng3
1From the Department of Electrical and Computer Engineering (Dov, Assaad, Carin), Duke University, Durham, North Carolina.
Context.—:
The use of whole slide images (WSIs) in diagnostic pathology presents special challenges for the cytopathologist. Informative areas on a direct smear from a thyroid fine-needle aspiration biopsy (FNAB) smear may be spread across a large area comprising blood and dead space. Manually navigating through these areas makes screening and evaluation of FNA smears on a digital platform time-consuming and laborious. We designed a machine learning algorithm that can identify regions of interest (ROIs) on thyroid fine-needle aspiration biopsy WSIs.
Objective.—:
To evaluate the ability of the machine learning algorithm and screening software to identify and screen for a subset of informative ROIs on a thyroid FNA WSI that can be used for final diagnosis.
Design.—:
A representative slide from each of 109 consecutive thyroid fine-needle aspiration biopsies was scanned. A cytopathologist reviewed each WSI and recorded a diagnosis. The machine learning algorithm screened and selected a subset of 100 ROIs from each WSI to present as an image gallery to the same cytopathologist after a washout period of 117 days.
Results.—:
Concordance between the diagnoses using WSIs and those using the machine learning algorithm-generated ROI image gallery was evaluated using pairwise weighted κ statistics. Almost perfect concordance was seen between the 2 methods with a κ score of 0.924.
Conclusions.—:
Our results show the potential of the screening software as an effective screening tool with the potential to reduce cytopathologist workloads.
