Deep learning algorithm performs similarly to radiologists in the assessment of prostate volume on MRI
Erik Thimansson1,2, J Bengtsson3,4,5, E Baubeta6,4,5
1Department of Translational Medicine, Diagnostic Radiology, Lund University, Carl-Bertil Laurells gata 9, SE-205 02, Malmö, Sweden. per_erik.thimansson@med.lu.se.
Objectives:
Prostate volume (PV) in combination with prostate specific antigen (PSA) yields PSA density which is an increasingly important biomarker. Calculating PV from MRI is a time-consuming, radiologist-dependent task. The aim of this study was to assess whether a deep learning algorithm can replace PI-RADS 2.1 based ellipsoid formula (EF) for calculating PV.
Methods:
Eight different measures of PV were retrospectively collected for each of 124 patients who underwent radical prostatectomy and preoperative MRI of the prostate (multicenter and multi-scanner MRI's 1.5 and 3 T). Agreement between volumes obtained from the deep learning algorithm (PVDL) and ellipsoid formula by two radiologists (PVEF1 and PVEF2) was evaluated against the reference standard PV obtained by manual planimetry by an expert radiologist (PVMPE). A sensitivity analysis was performed using a prostatectomy specimen as the reference standard. Inter-reader agreement was evaluated between the radiologists using the ellipsoid formula and between the expert and inexperienced radiologists performing manual planimetry.
Results:
PVDL showed better agreement and precision than PVEF1 and PVEF2 using the reference standard PVMPE (mean difference [95% limits of agreement] PVDL: -0.33 [-10.80; 10.14], PVEF1: -3.83 [-19.55; 11.89], PVEF2: -3.05 [-18.55; 12.45]) or the PV determined based on specimen weight (PVDL: -4.22 [-22.52; 14.07], PVEF1: -7.89 [-30.50; 14.73], PVEF2: -6.97 [-30.13; 16.18]). Inter-reader agreement was excellent between the two experienced radiologists using the ellipsoid formula and was good between expert and inexperienced radiologists performing manual planimetry.
Conclusion:
Deep learning algorithm performs similarly to radiologists in the assessment of prostate volume on MRI.
Key Points:
• A commercially available deep learning algorithm performs similarly to radiologists in the assessment of prostate volume on MRI. • The deep-learning algorithm was previously untrained on this heterogenous multicenter day-to-day practice MRI data set.
Related Concept Videos
Imaging Studies IV: Magnetic Resonance Imaging
Radiological Investigation II: MRI and Ventilation Perfusion Scan
Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) and Ventilation Perfusion Scans are two radiological investigations that offer detailed diagnostic images of the body, particularly lung structures.
MRI
MRI uses magnetic fields and radiofrequency signals to distinguish between normal and abnormal tissues. This technology provides a more detailed diagnostic image than CT scans, enabling it to characterize pulmonary nodules, stage bronchogenic carcinoma, and evaluate inflammatory activity in...
Magnetic Resonance Imaging


