Related Experiment Video
Updated: Jul 13, 2025
04:47
Author Spotlight: Learning Systematic Bronchoscopy in a Simulation-Base Setting
Published on: June 23, 2023
2.5K
Identification of age-dependent features of human bronchi using explainable artificial intelligence
Hiroaki Ikushima1,2, Kazuhiro Usui1
1Department of Respiratory Medicine, NTT Medical Center Tokyo, Tokyo, Japan.
ERJ Open Research
|October 18, 2023
Summary
Researchers developed an AI model to assess bronchial age from bronchoscopy images, identifying bronchial bifurcation sites as key age-dependent features. This offers a new way to quantify age-related lung changes.
Area of Science:
- Pulmonary Medicine
- Artificial Intelligence
- Medical Imaging
Background:
- Aging causes organ changes, but quantitative tests for bronchial aging are lacking.
- Bronchoscopy images offer a potential data source for assessing age-related bronchial alterations.
Purpose of the Study:
- To identify age-dependent features in bronchi using explainable AI on bronchoscopy images.
- To develop a quantitative method for evaluating age-related changes in the bronchi.
Main Methods:
- Utilized 11,374 bronchoscopy images for training and testing deep learning models (CNNs).
- Calculated 'bronchial age' from images and correlated it with chronological age.
- Employed Grad-CAM to visualize age-dependent features identified by the AI model.
Main Results:
- Deep learning models, particularly EfficientNetB3, showed high correlation (0.9617) between bronchial and chronological age.
- Explainable AI (Grad-CAM) highlighted bronchial bifurcation sites as critical age-dependent features.
- No significant differences in age prediction discrepancies were found across different respiratory diseases or smoking histories.
Conclusions:
- Bronchial bifurcation sites are universal age-dependent features in the bronchi.
- This AI-driven approach provides a novel, quantitative method for assessing bronchial aging.
Related Concept Videos
01:23The Bronchial Tree
2.7K
The human bronchi and bronchial tree play a crucial role in the respiratory system, facilitating the exchange of oxygen and carbon dioxide. Let's delve into the intricate structure and functions of these respiratory components.
The trachea, commonly known as the windpipe, is a tube that connects the larynx (voice box) to the bronchi. At a point called the carina, it bifurcates into two primary bronchi. The right primary bronchus is wider, shorter, and more vertical than the left primary...
The trachea, commonly known as the windpipe, is a tube that connects the larynx (voice box) to the bronchi. At a point called the carina, it bifurcates into two primary bronchi. The right primary bronchus is wider, shorter, and more vertical than the left primary...
2.7K
01:31Anatomy of Respiratory System II: Lower Respiratory Tract
1.0K
The lower respiratory tract is anatomically composed of several vital structures, including the larynx, trachea, bronchial tree, alveoli, lungs, and pleurae. Each component has a specific function, and all are intricately connected to ensure efficient respiration.
The Larynx
It is located between the pharynx and the trachea, acts as a passageway for air, and hosts several critical structures, such as the epiglottis, vocal cords, and glottis. The epiglottis acts as a gateway, guiding food to the...
The Larynx
It is located between the pharynx and the trachea, acts as a passageway for air, and hosts several critical structures, such as the epiglottis, vocal cords, and glottis. The epiglottis acts as a gateway, guiding food to the...
1.0K
01:29Anatomy of Respiratory System I: Upper Respiratory Tract
1.6K
The upper respiratory tract plays a vital role in the respiratory system, comprising several structures that facilitate air intake and prepare air for the lungs. It also serves as the first line of defense against pathogens and particles. This tract includes the nose and nasal cavity, the oral cavity, the paranasal sinuses, and the pharynx, each with specific functions and features.
Nose and nasal cavity
The nose and nasal cavity represent the main external openings of the respiratory tract....
Nose and nasal cavity
The nose and nasal cavity represent the main external openings of the respiratory tract....
1.6K
01:30Assessment of Airway, Skin Color, and Use of Accessory Muscles
1.0K
A thorough assessment of respiratory health is paramount in clinical settings to identify and manage respiratory distress and ensure adequate oxygenation. This article elaborates on the critical aspects of respiratory evaluation, including airway assessment, skin color examination, and the observation of accessory muscle use, which are integral to effectively diagnosing and managing patients with respiratory conditions.
Introduction
The initial evaluation of a patient's respiratory system...
Introduction
The initial evaluation of a patient's respiratory system...
1.0K