Russian neural networks help radiologists analyze images

Computer vision algorithms based on artificial intelligence appeared in the arsenal of Moscow doctors at the beginning of 2020. Initially, they were used only to detect signs of coronavirus pneumonia. Now, the new tool has been adopted to detect lung cancer, breast cancer, osteoporosis, and various pathologies of the lung and cardiovascular system. New algorithms are being tested in five other areas of medical diagnostics.

Russian radiologists have already conducted more than three million studies using artificial intelligence - the technology allows medical radiologists to describe and analyze images 30% faster, diagnose faster and proceed to treatment. The X-ray technician's computer assistant works in real time: after the examination is uploaded to the shared system, neural networks generate an additional series of images where the abnormalities found are highlighted.

The algorithms select images that are more likely to contain signs of pathological changes and send them to the doctor first. The radiologist can examine both the original study and the image processed by artificial intelligence. With the introduction of new technology, the time from sending the images to the system to the radiologist is reduced to minutes - this is especially important in emergency situations where it is necessary to diagnose and help the patient as quickly as possible. In addition, the use of algorithms is already helping Moscow physicians to identify groups of patients at high risk of developing diseases.

The artificial intelligence service is integrated into the unified radiological information service of Moscow's special medical system. This is part of the unified digital health platform developed by the city's social development complex and the IT department. Radiologists of all medical facilities connected to the digital city system can use artificial intelligence services. Every day, data from more than 1,300 radiology diagnostic units is fed into a single medical image repository.

Moscow doctors intend to share their experience of using artificial intelligence with colleagues from other regions of Russia when similar digital services appear in all medical institutions of the country. The Moscow doctors intend to share their experience of using computer vision technology based on artificial intelligence with their colleagues from other regions of Russia when similar digital services are introduced in all medical institutions of the country.

Micah Soto

Update 14 October 2021