Artificial Intelligence in Obstetric Ultrasound: An Update and Future Applications

Artificial intelligence and sexual reproductive health and rights: a technological leap towards achieving sustainable development goal target 3.7

Target 3.7 of the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) aims for universal access to sexual and reproductive health (SRH) services by 2030, including family planning services, information, education, and integration into national strategies. In contemporary times, reproductive medicine is progressively incorporating artificial intelligence (AI) to enhance sperm cell prediction and selection, in vitro fertilisation models, infertility and pregnancy screening. AI is being integrated into five core components of Sexual Reproductive Health, including improving care, providing high-quality contraception and infertility services, eliminating unsafe abortions, as well as facilitating the prevention and treatment of sexually transmitted infections. Though AI can improve sexual reproductive health and rights by addressing disparities and enhancing service delivery, AI-facilitated components have ethical implications, based on existing human rights and international conventions. Heated debates persist in implementing AI, particularly in maternal health, as well as sexual, reproductive health as the discussion centers on a torn between human touch and machine-driven care. In spite of this and other challenges, AI's application in sexual, and reproductive health and rights is crucial, particularly for developing countries, especially those that are yet to explore the application of AI in healthcare. Action plans are needed to roll out AI use in these areas effectively, and capacity building for health workers is essential to achieve the Sustainable Development Goals' Target 3.7. This commentary discusses innovations in sexual, and reproductive health and rights in meeting target 3.7 of the SDGs with a focus on artificial intelligence and highlights the need for a more circumspective approach in response to the ethical and human rights implications of using AI in providing sexual and reproductive health services.

Current Developments from Silicon Valley - How Artificial Intelligence is Changing Gynecology and Obstetrics

Artificial intelligence (AI) has become an omnipresent topic in the media. Lively discussions are being held on how AI could revolutionize the global healthcare landscape. The development of innovative AI models, including in the medical sector, is increasingly dominated by large high-tech companies. As a global technology epicenter, Silicon Valley hosts many of these technological giants which are muscling their way into healthcare provision with their advanced technologies. The annual conference of the American College of Obstetrics and Gynecology (ACOG) was held in San Francisco from 17 - 19 May 2024. ACOG celebrated its AI premier, hosting two sessions on current AI topics in gynecology at their annual conference. This paper provides an overview of the topics discussed and permits an insight into the thinking in Silicon Valley, showing how technology companies grow and fail there and examining how our American colleagues perceive increased integration of AI in gynecological and obstetric care. In addition to the classification of various, currently popular AI terms, the article also presents three areas where artificial intelligence is being used in gynecology and looks at the current developmental status in the context of existing obstacles to implementation and the current digitalization status of the German healthcare system.

Innovations in ultrasound training in obstetrics

INTRODUCTION

Ultrasound technology is critical in obstetrics, enabling detailed examination of the fetus and maternal anatomy. However, increasing complexity demands specialised training to maximise its potential. This study explores innovative approaches to ultrasound training in obstetrics, focussing on enhancing diagnostic skills and patient safety.

METHODS

This review examines recent innovations in ultrasound training, including competency-based medical education (CBME), simulation technologies, technology-based resources, artificial intelligence (AI), and online-learning platforms. Traditional training methods such as theoretical learning, practical experience, and peer learning are also discussed to provide a comprehensive view of current practises.

RESULTS

Innovations in ultrasound training include the use of high-fidelity simulators, virtual reality (VR), augmented reality (AR), and hybrid-learning platforms. Simulation technologies offer reproducibility, risk-free learning, diverse scenarios, and immediate feedback. AI and machine learning facilitate personalised-learning paths, real-time feedback, and automated-image analysis. Online-learning platforms and e-learning methods provide flexible, accessible, and cost-effective education. Gamification enhances learning motivation and engagement through educational games and virtual competitions.

DISCUSSION

The integration of innovative technologies in ultrasound training significantly improves diagnostic skills, learner confidence, and patient safety. However, challenges such as high costs, the need for comprehensive instructor training, and integration into existing programs must be addressed. Standardisation and certification ensure high-quality and consistent training. Future developments in AI, VR, and 3D printing promise further advancements in ultrasound education.

CONCLUSION

Innovations in ultrasound training in obstetrics offer significant improvements in medical education and patient care. The successful implementation and continuous development of these technologies are crucial to meet the growing demands of modern obstetrics.

How automated techniques ease functional assessment of the fetal heart: Applicability of two-dimensional speckle-tracking echocardiography for comprehensive analysis of global and segmental cardiac deformation using fetalHQ®

BACKGROUND

Prenatal echocardiographic assessment of fetal cardiac function has become increasingly important. Fetal two-dimensional speckle-tracking echocardiography (2D-STE) allows the determination of global and segmental functional cardiac parameters. Prenatal diagnostics is relying increasingly on artificial intelligence, whose algorithms transform the way clinicians use ultrasound in their daily workflow. The purpose of this study was to demonstrate the feasibility of whether less experienced operators can handle and might benefit from an automated tool of 2D-STE in the clinical routine.

METHODS

A total of 136 unselected, normal, singleton, second- and third-trimester fetuses with normofrequent heart rates were examined by targeted ultrasound. 2D-STE was performed separately by beginner and expert semiautomatically using a GE Voluson E10 (FetalHQ®, GE Healthcare, Chicago, IL). Several fetal cardiac parameters were calculated (end-diastolic diameter [ED], sphericity index [SI], global longitudinal strain [EndoGLS], fractional shortening [FS]) and assigned to gestational age (GA). Bland-Altman plots were used to test agreement between both operators.

RESULTS

The mean maternal age was 33 years, and the mean maternal body mass index prior to pregnancy was 24.78 kg/m2. The GA ranged from 16.4 to 32.0 weeks (average 22.9 weeks). Averaged endoGLS value of the beginner was -18.57% ± 6.59 percentage points (pp) for the right and -19.58% ± 5.63 pp for the left ventricle, that of the expert -14.33% ± 4.88 pp and -16.37% ± 5.42 pp. With increasing GA, right ventricular endoGLS decreased slightly while the left ventricular was almost constant. The statistical analysis for endoGLS showed a Bland-Altman-Bias of -4.24 pp ± 8.06 pp for the right and -3.21 pp ± 7.11 pp for the left ventricle. The Bland-Altman-Bias of the ED in both ventricles in all analyzed segments ranged from -.49 mm ± 1.54 mm to -.10 mm ± 1.28 mm, that for FS from -.33 pp ± 11.82 pp to 3.91 pp ± 15.56 pp and that for SI from -.38 ± .68 to -.15 ± .45.

CONCLUSIONS

Between both operators, our data indicated that 2D-STE analysis showed excellent agreement for cardiac morphometry parameters (ED and SI), and good agreement for cardiac function parameters (EndoGLS and FS). Due to its complexity, the application of fetal 2D-STE remains the domain of scientific-academic perinatal ultrasound and should be placed preferably in the hands of skilled operators. At present, from our perspective, an implementation into clinical practice "on-the-fly" cannot be recommended.

Use of artificial intelligence in obstetric and gynaecological diagnostics: a protocol for a systematic review and meta-analysis

INTRODUCTION

Emerging developments in applications of artificial intelligence (AI) in healthcare offer the opportunity to improve diagnostic capabilities in obstetrics and gynaecology (O&G), ensuring early detection of pathology, optimal management and improving survival. Consensus on a robust AI healthcare framework is crucial for standardising protocols that promote data privacy and transparency, minimise bias, and ensure patient safety. Here, we describe the study protocol for a systematic review and meta-analysis to evaluate current applications of AI in O&G diagnostics with consideration of reporting standards used and their ethical implications. This protocol is written following the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis Protocols (PRISMA-P) 2015 checklist.

METHODS AND ANALYSIS

The study objective is to explore the current application of AI in O&G diagnostics and assess the reporting standards used in these studies. Electronic bibliographic databases MEDLINE, EMBASE and Cochrane will be searched. Study selection, data extraction and subsequent narrative synthesis and meta-analyses will be carried out following the PRISMA-P guidelines. Included papers will be English-language full-text articles from May 2015 to March 2024, which provide original data, as AI has been redefined in recent literature. Papers must use AI as the predictive method, focusing on improving O&G diagnostic outcomes.We will evaluate the reporting standards including the risk of bias, lack of transparency and consider the ethical implications and potential harm to patients. Outcome measures will involve assessing the included studies against gold-standard criteria for robustness of model development (Transparent Reporting of a multivariable prediction model for Individual Prognosis Or Diagnosis, model predictive performance, model risk of bias and applicability (Prediction model Risk Of Bias Assessment Tool and study reporting (Consolidated Standards of Reporting Trials-AI) guidance.

ETHICS AND DISSEMINATION

Ethical approval is not required for this systematic review. Findings will be shared through peer-reviewed publications. There will be no patient or public involvement in this study.

PROSPERO REGISTRATION NUMBER

CRD42022357024 .

Artificial intelligence as a teaching tool for gynaecological ultrasound: A systematic search and scoping review

Purpose

The aim of this study was to investigate the current application of artificial intelligence (AI) tools in the teaching of ultrasound skills as they pertain to gynaecological ultrasound.

Methods

A scoping review was performed. Eight databases (MEDLINE, EMBASE, EMCARE, CINAHL, Scopus, Web of Science, IEEE Xplore and ACM digital library) were searched in December 2022 using predefined keywords. All types of publications were eligible for inclusion so long as they reported the use of an AI tool, included reference to or discussion of teaching or the improvement of ultrasound skills and pertained to gynaecological ultrasound. Conference abstracts and non-English language papers which could not be adequately translated into English were excluded.

Results

The initial database search returned 481 articles. After screening against our inclusion and exclusion criteria, two were deemed to meet the inclusion criteria. Neither of the articles included reported original research (one systematic review and one review article). Neither of the included articles explicitly provided details of specific tools developed for the teaching of ultrasound skills for gynaecological imaging but highlighted similar applications within the field of obstetrics which could potentially be expanded.

Conclusion

Artificial intelligence can potentially assist in the training of sonographers and other ultrasound operators, including in the field of gynaecological ultrasound. This scoping review revealed however that to date, no original research has been published reporting the use or development of such a tool specifically for gynaecological ultrasound.

Artificial Intelligence in Obstetric Anomaly Scan: Heart and Brain

BACKGROUND

The ultrasound scan represents the first tool that obstetricians use in fetal evaluation, but sometimes, it can be limited by mobility or fetal position, excessive thickness of the maternal abdominal wall, or the presence of post-surgical scars on the maternal abdominal wall. Artificial intelligence (AI) has already been effectively used to measure biometric parameters, automatically recognize standard planes of fetal ultrasound evaluation, and for disease diagnosis, which helps conventional imaging methods. The usage of information, ultrasound scan images, and a machine learning program create an algorithm capable of assisting healthcare providers by reducing the workload, reducing the duration of the examination, and increasing the correct diagnosis capability. The recent remarkable expansion in the use of electronic medical records and diagnostic imaging coincides with the enormous success of machine learning algorithms in image identification tasks.

OBJECTIVES

We aim to review the most relevant studies based on deep learning in ultrasound anomaly scan evaluation of the most complex fetal systems (heart and brain), which enclose the most frequent anomalies.

Artificial intelligence as a new answer to old challenges in maternal-fetal medicine and obstetrics

BACKGROUND

Following the latest trends in the development of artificial intelligence (AI), the possibility of processing an immense amount of data has created a breakthrough in the medical field. Practitioners can now utilize AI tools to advance diagnostic protocols and improve patient care.

OBJECTIVE

The aim of this article is to present the importance and modalities of AI in maternal-fetal medicine and obstetrics and its usefulness in daily clinical work and decision-making process.

METHODS

A comprehensive literature review was performed by searching PubMed for articles published from inception up until August 2023, including the search terms "artificial intelligence in obstetrics", "maternal-fetal medicine", and "machine learning" combined through Boolean operators. In addition, references lists of identified articles were further reviewed for inclusion.

RESULTS

According to recent research, AI has demonstrated remarkable potential in improving the accuracy and timeliness of diagnoses in maternal-fetal medicine and obstetrics, e.g., advancing perinatal ultrasound technique, monitoring fetal heart rate during labor, or predicting mode of delivery. The combination of AI and obstetric ultrasound can help optimize fetal ultrasound assessment by reducing examination time and improving diagnostic accuracy while reducing physician workload.

CONCLUSION

The integration of AI in maternal-fetal medicine and obstetrics has the potential to significantly improve patient outcomes, enhance healthcare efficiency, and individualized care plans. As technology evolves, AI algorithms are likely to become even more sophisticated. However, the successful implementation of AI in maternal-fetal medicine and obstetrics needs to address challenges related to interpretability and reliability.

A novel artificial intelligence model for fetal facial profile marker measurement during the first trimester

BACKGROUND

To study the validity of an artificial intelligence (AI) model for measuring fetal facial profile markers, and to evaluate the clinical value of the AI model for identifying fetal abnormalities during the first trimester.

METHODS

This retrospective study used two-dimensional mid-sagittal fetal profile images taken during singleton pregnancies at 11-13+ 6 weeks of gestation. We measured the facial profile markers, including inferior facial angle (IFA), maxilla-nasion-mandible (MNM) angle, facial-maxillary angle (FMA), frontal space (FS) distance, and profile line (PL) distance using AI and manual measurements. Semantic segmentation and landmark localization were used to develop an AI model to measure the selected markers and evaluate the diagnostic value for fetal abnormalities. The consistency between AI and manual measurements was compared using intraclass correlation coefficients (ICC). The diagnostic value of facial markers measured using the AI model during fetal abnormality screening was evaluated using receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curves.

RESULTS

A total of 2372 normal fetuses and 37 with abnormalities were observed, including 18 with trisomy 21, 7 with trisomy 18, and 12 with CLP. Among them, 1872 normal fetuses were used for AI model training and validation, and the remaining 500 normal fetuses and all fetuses with abnormalities were used for clinical testing. The ICCs (95%CI) of the IFA, MNM angle, FMA, FS distance, and PL distance between the AI and manual measurement for the 500 normal fetuses were 0.812 (0.780-0.840), 0.760 (0.720-0.795), 0.766 (0.727-0.800), 0.807 (0.775-0.836), and 0.798 (0.764-0.828), respectively. IFA clinically significantly identified trisomy 21 and trisomy 18, with areas under the ROC curve (AUC) of 0.686 (95%CI, 0.585-0.788) and 0.729 (95%CI, 0.621-0.837), respectively. FMA effectively predicted trisomy 18, with an AUC of 0.904 (95%CI, 0.842-0.966). MNM angle and FS distance exhibited good predictive value in CLP, with AUCs of 0.738 (95%CI, 0.573-0.902) and 0.677 (95%CI, 0.494-0.859), respectively.

CONCLUSIONS

The consistency of fetal facial profile marker measurements between the AI and manual measurement was good during the first trimester. The AI model is a convenient and effective tool for the early screen for fetal trisomy 21, trisomy 18, and CLP, which can be generalized to first-trimester scanning (FTS).

The Left Outflow Tract in Fetal Cardiac Screening Examination: Introduction of Quality Criteria Is Not Always Associated With an Improvement of Practice When Supervised by Humans

OBJECTIVES

Since 2016, the French CNEOF included the left ventricular outflow tract (LVOT) in the second and third trimester of pregnancy in addition to the four-chamber view and the parasagittal view of the right outflow tract. The objective of this study was to define quality criteria for fetal LVOT assessment and to perform a human audit of past and current practices, before and after the implementation of those quality criteria at a large scale.

METHODS

Seven quality criteria were investigated and rated from 0 to 1 during three periods of interest. Files were randomly selected from three centers, and average total and specific scores were calculated.

RESULTS

LVOT pictures were present in more than 94.3% of reports. The average quality score was 5.49/7 (95% confidence interval [CI]: 5.36-5.62), 5.91/7 (95% CI: 5.80-6.03), and 5.70/7 (95% CI: 5.58-5.82) for the three centers in the three periods of interest. There was no significant difference following the introduction of the quality criteria, 2017 versus 2020, P = .054.

CONCLUSION

Fetal LVOT images were present in most of ultrasound reports but the introduction of the proposed quality criteria under human supervision seems not associated with a significant change in practice.

The role of artificial intelligence in the future of urogynecology

Artificial intelligence (AI) in medicine is a rapidly growing field aimed at using machine learning models to improve health outcomes and patient experiences. Many new platforms have become accessible and therefore it seems inevitable that we consider how to implement them in our day-to-day practice. Currently, the specialty of urogynecology faces new challenges as the population grows, life expectancy increases, and quality of life expectation is much improved. As AI has a lot of potential to promote the discipline of urogynecology, we aim to explore its abilities and possible use in the future. Challenges and risks are associated with using AI, and a responsible use of such resources is required.

How Automated Techniques Ease Functional Assessment of the Fetal Heart: Applicability of MPI+™ for Direct Quantification of the Modified Myocardial Performance Index

(1) Objectives: In utero functional cardiac assessments using echocardiography have become increasingly important. The myocardial performance index (MPI, Tei index) is currently used to evaluate fetal cardiac anatomy, hemodynamics and function. An ultrasound examination is highly examiner-dependent, and training is of enormous significance in terms of proper application and subsequent interpretation. Future experts will progressively be guided by applications of artificial intelligence, on whose algorithms prenatal diagnostics will rely on increasingly. The objective of this study was to demonstrate the feasibility of whether less experienced operators might benefit from an automated tool of MPI quantification in the clinical routine. (2) Methods: In this study, a total of 85 unselected, normal, singleton, second- and third-trimester fetuses with normofrequent heart rates were examined by a targeted ultrasound. The modified right ventricular MPI (RV-Mod-MPI) was measured, both by a beginner and an expert. A calculation was performed semiautomatically using a Samsung Hera W10 ultrasound system (MPI+™, Samsung Healthcare, Gangwon-do, South Korea) by taking separate recordings of the right ventricle's in- and outflow using a conventional pulsed-wave Doppler. The measured RV-Mod-MPI values were assigned to gestational age. The data were compared between the beginner and the expert using a Bland-Altman plot to test the agreement between both operators, and the intraclass correlation was calculated. (3) Results: The mean maternal age was 32 years (19 to 42 years), and the mean maternal pre-pregnancy body mass index was 24.85 kg/m2 (ranging from 17.11 to 44.08 kg/m2). The mean gestational age was 24.44 weeks (ranging from 19.29 to 36.43 weeks). The averaged RV-Mod-MPI value of the beginner was 0.513 ± 0.09, and that of the expert was 0.501 ± 0.08. Between the beginner and the expert, the measured RV-Mod-MPI values indicated a similar distribution. The statistical analysis showed a Bland-Altman bias of 0.01136 (95% limits of agreement from -0.1674 to 0.1902). The intraclass correlation coefficient was 0.624 (95% confidence interval from 0.423 to 0.755). (4) Conclusions: For experts as well as for beginners, the RV-Mod-MPI is an excellent diagnostic tool for the assessment of fetal cardiac function. It is a time-saving procedure, offers an intuitive user interface and is easy to learn. There is no additional effort required to measure the RV-Mod-MPI. In times of reduced resources, such assisted systems of fast value acquisition represent clear added value. The establishment of the automated measurement of the RV-Mod-MPI in clinical routine should be the next level in cardiac function assessment.

Application and Progress of Artificial Intelligence in Fetal Ultrasound

Prenatal ultrasonography is the most crucial imaging modality during pregnancy. However, problems such as high fetal mobility, excessive maternal abdominal wall thickness, and inter-observer variability limit the development of traditional ultrasound in clinical applications. The combination of artificial intelligence (AI) and obstetric ultrasound may help optimize fetal ultrasound examination by shortening the examination time, reducing the physician's workload, and improving diagnostic accuracy. AI has been successfully applied to automatic fetal ultrasound standard plane detection, biometric parameter measurement, and disease diagnosis to facilitate conventional imaging approaches. In this review, we attempt to thoroughly review the applications and advantages of AI in prenatal fetal ultrasound and discuss the challenges and promises of this new field.

Deep Learning for Improving the Effectiveness of Routine Prenatal Screening for Major Congenital Heart Diseases

Early prenatal screening with an ultrasound (US) can significantly lower newborn mortality caused by congenital heart diseases (CHDs). However, the need for expertise in fetal cardiologists and the high volume of screening cases limit the practically achievable detection rates. Hence, automated prenatal screening to support clinicians is desirable. This paper presents and analyses potential deep learning (DL) techniques to diagnose CHDs in fetal USs. Four convolutional neural network architectures were compared to select the best classifier with satisfactory results. Hence, dense convolutional network (DenseNet) 201 architecture was selected for the classification of seven CHDs, such as ventricular septal defect, atrial septal defect, atrioventricular septal defect, Ebstein's anomaly, tetralogy of Fallot, transposition of great arteries, hypoplastic left heart syndrome, and a normal control. The sensitivity, specificity, and accuracy of the DenseNet201 model were 100%, 100%, and 100%, respectively, for the intra-patient scenario and 99%, 97%, and 98%, respectively, for the inter-patient scenario. We used the intra-patient DL prediction model to validate our proposed model against the prediction results of three expert fetal cardiologists. The proposed model produces a satisfactory result, which means that our model can support expert fetal cardiologists to interpret the decision to improve CHD diagnostics. This work represents a step toward the goal of assisting front-line sonographers with CHD diagnoses at the population level.

Using deep-learning in fetal ultrasound analysis for diagnosis of cystic hygroma in the first trimester

Objective

To develop and internally validate a deep-learning algorithm from fetal ultrasound images for the diagnosis of cystic hygromas in the first trimester.

Methods

All first trimester ultrasound scans with a diagnosis of a cystic hygroma between 11 and 14 weeks gestation at our tertiary care centre in Ontario, Canada were studied. Ultrasound scans with normal nuchal translucency were used as controls. The dataset was partitioned with 75% of images used for model training and 25% used for model validation. Images were analyzed using a DenseNet model and the accuracy of the trained model to correctly identify cases of cystic hygroma was assessed by calculating sensitivity, specificity, and the area under the receiver-operating characteristic (ROC) curve. Gradient class activation heat maps (Grad-CAM) were generated to assess model interpretability.

Results

The dataset included 289 sagittal fetal ultrasound images;129 cystic hygroma cases and 160 normal NT controls. Overall model accuracy was 93% (95% CI: 88–98%), sensitivity 92% (95% CI: 79–100%), specificity 94% (95% CI: 91–96%), and the area under the ROC curve 0.94 (95% CI: 0.89–1.0). Grad-CAM heat maps demonstrated that the model predictions were driven primarily by the fetal posterior cervical area.

Conclusions

Our findings demonstrate that deep-learning algorithms can achieve high accuracy in diagnostic interpretation of cystic hygroma in the first trimester, validated against expert clinical assessment.

Artificial intelligence applied to fetal MRI: A scoping review of current research

Artificial intelligence (AI) is defined as the development of computer systems to perform tasks normally requiring human intelligence. A subset of AI, known as machine learning (ML), takes this further by drawing inferences from patterns in data to 'learn' and 'adapt' without explicit instructions meaning that computer systems can 'evolve' and hopefully improve without necessarily requiring external human influences. The potential for this novel technology has resulted in great interest from the medical community regarding how it can be applied in healthcare. Within radiology, the focus has mostly been for applications in oncological imaging, although new roles in other subspecialty fields are slowly emerging.In this scoping review, we performed a literature search of the current state-of-the-art and emerging trends for the use of artificial intelligence as applied to fetal magnetic resonance imaging (MRI). Our search yielded several publications covering AI tools for anatomical organ segmentation, improved imaging sequences and aiding in diagnostic applications such as automated biometric fetal measurements and the detection of congenital and acquired abnormalities. We highlight our own perceived gaps in this literature and suggest future avenues for further research. It is our hope that the information presented highlights the varied ways and potential that novel digital technology could make an impact to future clinical practice with regards to fetal MRI.