Summary:
Heart disease continues to claim the top spot as the leading cause of mortality globally, despite being preventable. However, the lack of awareness of individual risk often leads to late-stage detection. Screening for early signs of heart issues is crucial, and while traditional methods like blood tests provide some insights, they are not always comprehensive. Computed tomography (CT) scans offer a more detailed view, yet their utilization for cardiac screening has been limited due to cost and specialized requirements.
Recent research conducted at Cedars-Sinai Medical Center in Los Angeles has unveiled a potential breakthrough. Leveraging artificial intelligence (AI), a collaborative team has devised a method to analyze routine chest CT scans to predict mortality risks associated with heart disease. By examining thousands of scans, the AI system identifies specific cardiac indicators previously unnoticed in these scans. These indicators, when analyzed collectively, provide valuable insights into the likelihood of cardiac-related mortality.
Traditionally, radiologists primarily focus on detecting abnormalities related to conditions like lung infections or cancer in chest CT scans. The introduction of AI technology has revolutionized this process. The AI system augments radiologists’ efforts by screening for cardiac prognostic factors in the background, enabling early identification of patients who may require further cardiac evaluation or intervention.
Dr. Piotr Slomka, a senior study author and professor at Cedars-Sinai, emphasizes the significance of this advancement. He highlights the wealth of valuable information concealed within routine chest CT scans and the potential of AI to unearth and analyze crucial prognostic signals. Integrating AI into clinical workflows simplifies the process and facilitates opportunistic cardiac screening, paving the way for timely interventions and lifestyle modifications that could ultimately save lives.
The implications of this study extend beyond academic research. Cedars-Sinai has already implemented the AI tool into routine clinical practice, demonstrating its feasibility and effectiveness. By harnessing the power of AI, healthcare providers can enhance cardiac risk assessment, leading to improved patient outcomes and reduced mortality rates associated with heart disease. This innovative approach underscores the transformative potential of AI in revolutionizing medical diagnostics and preventive care.
Article written by MedImaging
15/05/2024
Source:
MedImaging
https://www.medimaging.net/general-imaging/articles/294801163/ai-predicts-cardiac-risk-and-mortality-from-routine-chest-ct-scans.html