Current imaging applications, radiomics, and machine learning modalities of CNS demyelinating disorders and its...

Distinguishing among neuroinflammatory demyelinating diseases of the central nervous system can present a significant diagnostic challenge due to substantial overlap in clinical presentations and imaging features. Collaboration between specialists, novel antibody testing, and dedicated magnetic resonance imaging protocols have helped to narrow the diagnostic gap, but challenging cases remain. Machine learning algorithms have proven to be able to identify subtle patterns that escape even the most experienced human eye. Indeed, machine learning and the subfield of radiomics have demonstrated exponential growth and improvement in diagnosis capacity within the past decade. The sometimes daunting diagnostic overlap of various demyelinating processes thus provides a unique opportunity: can the elite pattern recognition powers of machine learning close the gap in making the correct diagnosis? This review specifically focuses on neuroinflammatory demyelinating diseases, exploring the role of artificial intelligence in the detection, diagnosis, and differentiation of the most common pathologies: multiple sclerosis (MS), neuromyelitis optica spectrum disorder (NMOSD), acute disseminated encephalomyelitis (ADEM), Sjogren's syndrome, MOG antibody-associated disorder (MOGAD), and neuropsychiatric systemic lupus erythematosus (NPSLE). Understanding how these tools enhance diagnostic precision may lead to earlier intervention, improved outcomes, and optimized management strategies.