Deep Learning Algorithm for Differentiating Patients with a Healthy Liver from Patients with Liver Lesions Based on MR Images

SIMPLE SUMMARY: We propose an automated system that handles numerous problems encountered when diagnosing the presence of numerous types of lesions in the liver based on multiparametric magnetic resonance (MR) images. Using a properly built and processed dataset and deep-learning segmentation algorithms, we devised a method for screening MR images for the presence of focal lesions in the liver. ABSTRACT: The problems in diagnosing the state of a vital organ such as the liver are complex and remain unresolved. These problems are underscored by frequently published studies on this issue. At the same time, demand for imaging diagnostics, preferably using a method that can detect the disease at the earliest possible stage, is constantly increasing. In this paper, we present liver diseases in the context of diagnosis, diagnostic problems, and possible elimination. We discuss the dataset and methods and present the stages of the pipeline we developed, leading to multiclass segmentation of the liver in multiparametric MR image into lesions and normal tissue. Finally, based on the processing results, each case is classified as either a healthy liver or a liver with lesions. For the training set, the AUC ROC is 0.925 (standard error 0.013 and a p-value less than 0.001), and for the test set, the AUC ROC is 0.852 (standard error 0.039 and a p-value less than 0.001). Further refinements to the proposed pipeline are also discussed. The proposed approach could be used in the detection of focal lesions in the liver and the description of liver tumors. Practical application of the developed multi-class segmentation method represents a key step toward standardizing the medical evaluation of focal lesions in the liver.