Related Experiment Video
Updated: Jan 18, 2026
A Swin Transformer-Based Model for Thyroid Nodule Detection in Ultrasound Images
Published on: April 21, 2023
The role of artificial intelligence in surgeon-performed ultrasonographic evaluation of cytologically indeterminate
Man Him Matrix Fung1, Wai In Ng2, Henry Ethan Lee1
1Department of Surgery, Queen Mary Hospital, the University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong.
Introduction:
Evaluating indeterminate thyroid nodules(ITN) is challenging, especially without molecular tests. This study examines whether artificial intelligence (AI) assistance can improve ITN diagnostic accuracy and bridge expertise gaps in surgeon-performed ultrasound.
Methods:
134 ultrasound clips from 67 patients with ITN were reviewed by doctors of four levels: endocrine-surgery specialist, senior residents, junior residents, and medical student. After a 2-week wash-out, they re-evaluated the clips using AI-SONIC, an AI platform analyzing ultrasound real-time to predict cancer risk. Performance was validated against final histopathology.
Results:
Without AI, medical students, junior residents and senior residents performed significantly worse than specialists(AUROC 0.530-0.560 vs 0.771, p < 0.05). AI-SONIC improved residents' and medical students' diagnostic accuracy to levels comparable with specialists(AUROC 0.733-0.751 vs 0.771). The specialists' performance remained unchanged with AI assistance.
Conclusion:
AI enhances ultrasound evaluation of ITN by junior surgeons and medical students, elevating their accuracy to expert levels, supporting clinical assessment and medical education.
Related Concept Videos
01:20Ultrasound I: Abdominal Ultrasonography
Abdominal ultrasonography, commonly known as abdominal ultrasound, is a vital, non-invasive medical imaging technique widely used in healthcare.
Procedure:
This diagnostic tool allows the clinician to visually inspect internal structures within the abdomen, including vital organs such as the liver, gallbladder, pancreas, kidneys, and spleen.
The abdominal ultrasound process begins with applying a special gel to the patient's skin over the abdomen. This gel enhances the...
01:17Ultrasonography
During an ultrasonography procedure, a handheld device called...