Artificial intelligence-enhanced echocardiography in cardiovascular disease management

Artificial intelligence (AI) is transforming echocardiography, ushering in an era of improved diagnostic precision, efficiency and patient care. In this Review, we present an in-depth exploration of AI applications in echocardiography, highlighting the latest advances, practical implementations and future directions. We discuss the integration of AI throughout the echocardiographic workflow, from image acquisition and analysis to interpretation. We outline the potential of AI to automate routine measurements and calculations, enable task shifting, recognize disease-specific patterns and uncover new phenogroups that might surpass current diagnostic classifications. Moreover, we address the aspects needed to create trustworthy AI systems, through careful validation, navigating regulatory requirements and upholding ethical standards, thereby presenting a balanced perspective on the advantages and limitations of this rapidly evolving technology. Through an examination of current AI applications, clinical studies and technological breakthroughs, we offer a comprehensive understanding of the evolving role of AI in the future of echocardiography and its capacity to advance cardiovascular care, while also acknowledging the current limitations of the widespread clinical implementation of AI-supported echocardiography.