Yet again, Artificial Intelligence (AI) is proving to be a step ahead in improving medical advancements for a better quality of life.
Mayo Clinic and Ultromics, Ltd developed an AI tool that accurately detects cardiac amyloidosis, a rare and progressive type of heart failure, as per a recent study.
The findings, published in the European Heart Journal, point out that the AI model was highly accurate, with 85% sensitivity (correctly identifying those with the disease) and 93% specificity (correctly identifying those without the disease). Experts also mentioned that using a single echocardiography videoclip, the model was able to detect the condition across all major types of cardiac amyloidosis and distinguish it from other conditions with similar characteristics.
What is Cardiac amyloidosis?
It is a life-threatening condition where an abnormal protein, called amyloid, builds up in the heart. This leads to stiffening and makes it unable to work properly.
It is often missed due to the symptoms that can be similar to other heart ailments. "This AI model is a breakthrough tool that can help us identify patients earlier so they can receive the treatment they need," says Patricia Pellikka, M.D., a cardiologist at Mayo Clinic.
"We found that AI performed better than traditional clinical and transthoracic echo-based screening methods, providing clinicians with stronger insights on which to base decisions for further confirmation tests. New treatments are available for cardiac amyloidosis but are most effective if administered early in the course of the disease." Dr. Pellikka is senior author of the study.
