AI Technology Spots Hidden Diseases in Routine Scans, Improving Early Diagnosis
In a groundbreaking case in 2023, 58-year-old Will Studholme visited an NHS hospital in Oxford for gastrointestinal symptoms, but unexpectedly found out he had osteoporosis, a disease typically linked to older, fragile bones. The key to his diagnosis was AI technology, which scanned his CT image for signs of diseases unrelated to his initial symptoms.
This type of AI-powered “opportunistic imaging” allows doctors to uncover underlying health conditions that would have otherwise gone unnoticed, using medical scans originally conducted for other reasons. By analyzing scans of the abdomen or chest, AI algorithms can detect early signs of diseases like osteoporosis, heart disease, fatty liver disease, and diabetes, regardless of the initial clinical purpose of the scan.
The technology works by applying AI to scan vast amounts of data in medical imaging, helping to catch diseases early before symptoms appear, making them easier to treat or even prevent. AI is also reducing biases that sometimes impact diagnoses, especially for diseases like osteoporosis, which is often thought to affect older, white women, leading doctors to overlook other potential cases.
In Studholme’s case, the AI identified a collapsed vertebra in his spine, a sign of osteoporosis, prompting further testing and ultimately leading to a diagnosis and a treatment plan. Without AI, his condition might have gone undetected until later, when it could have led to severe fractures.
Nanox.AI, the Israeli company behind the AI used in this case, is pioneering this technology, with its algorithms already deployed in NHS hospitals in Oxford and other UK cities. The system has increased the identification of patients with vertebral fractures, helping them start treatments for osteoporosis earlier.
However, while the technology shows promise, experts caution that it also raises concerns about increased patient loads on the healthcare system, as more people flagged for diseases will need follow-up testing. Balancing the benefits with the added demand on healthcare resources will be crucial as AI continues to be integrated into medical screening processes.
Despite the challenges, early detection using AI could save the NHS money in the long run by preventing costly hospital admissions due to fractures and other diseases that might have otherwise been missed. For people like Mr. Studholme, AI offers a chance to manage and treat conditions before they lead to more severe health problems.
