Leveraging Artificial Intelligence as a Safety Net for Incidentally Identified Lung Nodules at a Tertiary Center

Palina Woodhouse ¹, Rafael Paez ^2,3, Patrick Meyers ¹

⁰From the Departments of Thoracic Surgery (Woodhouse, Meyers, Sharp, Grogan), VA Tennessee Valley Healthcare System, Nashville, TN.

Journal of the American College of Surgeons +

|

January 13, 2025

View abstract on PubMed

Summary

An artificial intelligence (AI) tool improved the detection of clinically significant lung nodules. The AI software ensured 30% of nodules received appropriate follow-up, preventing missed diagnoses and enabling timely care.

Area Of Science

Radiology and Medical Imaging
Artificial Intelligence in Healthcare
Pulmonary Medicine

Background

Artificial intelligence (AI) platforms offer potential for managing clinically significant lung nodules.
This study evaluated a commercial AI natural language processing tool's impact on detecting indeterminate pulmonary nodules (IPNs) and ensuring guideline-consistent care.

Purpose Of The Study

To assess the effectiveness of an AI natural language processing tool in identifying clinically significant indeterminate pulmonary nodules (IPNs).
To determine the impact of AI on the provision of guideline-consistent care for IPNs.

Main Methods

AI natural language processing algorithm processed CT scan radiology reports from a tertiary care center.
Reports mentioning lung nodules were flagged and reviewed by a lung nodule expert.
IPNs were classified as "appropriately followed" or "not appropriately followed" based on documented care within 2 weeks.

Main Results

The AI processed 76,507 reports, identifying 389 IPNs.
70% of IPNs were appropriately followed, while 30% were not.
AI identified 117 nodules without documented follow-up, leading to 43 additional appointments and 3 procedures.

Conclusions

AI software brought 30% of clinically significant incidental pulmonary nodules to clinicians' attention that would have otherwise been missed.
This AI-driven detection facilitated the initiation of appropriate follow-up care for potentially serious lung conditions.