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Updated: Sep 17, 2025
Objectification of Tongue Diagnosis in Traditional Medicine, Data Analysis, and Study Application
Published on: April 14, 2023
Application of computer-aided tongue image system for severe mycoplasma pneumoniae pneumonia
Li Peng1, Qinghua Liu1, Baixiang Liu2
1Hunan Provincial Key Laboratory of Pediatric Respirology, Pediatric Medical Center, Hunan Provincial People's Hospital (the First Affiliated Hospital of Hunan Normal University), Changsha, P. R. China.
Abstract:
BackgroundMycoplasma pneumoniae pneumonia (MPP) represents the predominant form of community-acquired pneumonia in children. Clinical challenges in identifying severe MPP (SMPP) critically threaten pediatric health.ObjectiveThis study aimed to evaluate the application of the computer-aided system for standardizing tongue image characteristics and diagnosing SMPP.MethodsWe enrolled hospitalized children with general MPP (GMPP, n = 243) and SMPP (n = 371) between 2023 and 2024. The SMF-III system was employed to quantify tongue image features. Univariate logistic regression analysis was performed to identify key independent risk factors for SMPP, followed by correlation analysis. ROC curve analysis was conducted to assess diagnostic efficacy.ResultsSignificant differences in tongue features were observed between the GMPP and SMPP groups. SMPP patients predominantly exhibited red/crimson tongue coloration, yellow-white/yellow coatings, thin-greasy/thick coating textures, and reduced or absent moisture with higher total tongue image scores. Logistic regression confirmed the scores, CRP, NLR, IL-6, and IFN-γ as independent risk factors for SMPP. The scores were positively correlated with CRP, NLR, IL-6, and IFN-γ. Notably, combining tongue image scores with CRP enhanced predictive accuracy for SMPP.ConclusionTongue image variations reflect pediatric MPP disease progression. The computer-aided tongue diagnostic system provides a rapid, cost-effective, and reliable tool for auxiliary SMPP diagnosis.
Insights
Computer-aided tongue imaging aids in diagnosing severe Mycoplasma pneumoniae pneumonia (SMPP) in children. This technology offers a rapid, cost-effective method to identify disease progression and support clinical decisions.
Area of Science:
- Pediatric Pulmonology
- Medical Diagnostics
- Computational Imaging
Background:
- Mycoplasma pneumoniae pneumonia (MPP) is the leading cause of community-acquired pneumonia in children.
- Identifying severe MPP (SMPP) presents clinical challenges, impacting pediatric health outcomes.
- Standardized diagnostic tools for SMPP are crucial for timely and effective treatment.
Purpose of the Study:
- To evaluate a computer-aided system for standardizing tongue image characteristics.
- To assess the diagnostic utility of this system for severe Mycoplasma pneumoniae pneumonia (SMPP) in children.
Main Methods:
- Utilized the SMF-III system to quantify tongue image features in 243 general MPP and 371 SMPP pediatric patients.
- Performed univariate logistic regression and correlation analyses to identify risk factors.
- Employed ROC curve analysis to evaluate diagnostic performance.
Main Results:
- Significant differences in tongue features (coloration, coating, texture, moisture) were observed between general MPP and SMPP groups.
- Higher tongue image scores, elevated CRP, NLR, IL-6, and IFN-γ were identified as independent risk factors for SMPP.
- Combining tongue image scores with CRP improved predictive accuracy for SMPP.
Conclusions:
- Tongue image variations correlate with the progression of pediatric MPP.
- The computer-aided tongue diagnostic system offers a rapid, cost-effective, and reliable auxiliary tool for SMPP diagnosis.
