Applications and challenges of artificial intelligence in diagnostic and interventional radiology

Machine learning (ML) and deep learning (DL) can be utilized in radiology to help diagnosis and for predicting management and outcomes based on certain image findings. DL utilizes convolutional neural networks (CNN) and may be used to classify imaging features. The objective of this literature review is to summarize recent publications highlighting the key ways in which ML and DL may be applied in radiology, along with solutions to the problems that this implementation may face.

Twenty-one publications were selected from the primary literature through a PubMed search. The articles included in our review studied a range of applications of artificial intelligence in radiology.

The implementation of artificial intelligence in diagnostic and interventional radiology may improve image analysis, aid in diagnosis, as well as suggest appropriate interventions, clinical predictive modelling, and trainee education. Potential challenges include ethical concerns and the need for appropriate datasets with accurate labels and large sample sizes to train from. Additionally, the training data should be representative of the population to which the future ML platform will be applicable. Finally, machines do not disclose a statistical rationale when expounding on the task purpose, making them difficult to apply in medical imaging.

As radiologists report increased workload, utilization of artificial intelligence may provide improved outcomes in medical imaging by assisting, rather than guiding or replacing, radiologists. Further research should be done on the risks of AI implementation and how to most accurately validate the results.