A recent study has shown that artificial intelligence systems may contribute to developing the process of fetal screening to detect congenital heart defects.
Researchers used a tool from “BrightHeart Medical” to analyze 200 ultrasound scans of fetuses in the second trimester, collected from 11 medical centers in two countries. These scans included 100 scans that showed at least one cause for concern.
Detecting Congenital Heart Defects
Seven obstetricians and seven specialists in high-risk pregnancies reviewed each scan randomly, with or without the assistance of artificial intelligence, to look for signs that might indicate a serious heart problem.
According to a report published in the journal Obstetrics & Gynecology, doctors were able to identify a greater number of potential problems in less time when using artificial intelligence compared to not using it.
Overall, the detection rate increased from 82% to over 97%, with a decrease in reading time of 18% and an increase in confidence of 19%.
Dr. Andrei Rebarber from the Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai Hospital stated: “Our study should motivate and encourage future research on the capabilities of AI-supported software to improve detection rates… and reduce variation and inequality in the detection of congenital heart defects worldwide.”
He added: “The future of prenatal diagnostic imaging is bright when AI software is used as an aid to the doctor’s diagnosis.”
