A newly developed artificial intelligence system from the University of Michigan can analyze brain MRI scans and deliver a diagnosis in a matter of seconds, according to a new study. The model identified neurological conditions with accuracy reaching 97.5% and was also able to assess how urgently patients needed medical care.
Researchers say this first-of-its-kind technology has the potential to reshape how brain imaging is handled across health systems in the United States. The findings were published in Nature Biomedical Engineering.
"As the global demand for MRI rises and places significant strain our physicians and health systems, our AI model has potential to reduce burden by improving diagnosis and treatment with fast, accurate information," said senior author Todd Hollon, M.D., a neurosurgeon at University of Michigan Health and assistant professor of neurosurgery at U-M Medical School.
Testing the Prima AI System
Hollon named the new technology Prima. Over a one-year period, his research team evaluated the system using more than 30,000 MRI studies.
Across more than 50 different radiologic diagnoses involving major neurological disorders, Prima delivered stronger diagnostic performance than other advanced AI models. In addition to identifying disease, the system also proved capable of determining which cases required higher priority.
Certain neurological conditions, including strokes and brain hemorrhages, demand immediate medical attention. Hollon said that in these situations, Prima can automatically alert health care providers so action can be taken quickly.
The system was designed to notify the most appropriate subspecialist, such as a stroke neurologist or neurosurgeon. Feedback becomes available immediately after a patient completes imaging.
"Accuracy is paramount when reading a brain MRI, but quick turnaround times are critical for timely diagnosis and improved outcomes," said Yiwei Lyu, M.S., co-first author and postdoctoral fellow of Computer Science and Engineering at U-M.
"At key steps in the process, our results show how Prima can improve workflows and streamline clinical care without abandoning accuracy."
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