Does deep learning improve the consistency and performance of radiologists in assessing bi-parametric prostate MRI?

Our study aimed to evaluate whether deep learning (DL) software could enhance the consistency and performance of radiologists in assessing bi-parametric prostate MRI scans. Intriguingly, our findings revealed that the DL software did not significantly improve the Prostate Imaging-Reporting and Data System (PI-RADS) scoring consistency or the detection performance of clinically significant prostate cancer (csPCa) among radiologists with varying levels of experience.

These results may raise critical questions about the current state and future of AI in radiology. One could argue that the algorithms have not yet matured to a point where they can substantially impact clinical decision-making.

However, although our study was unable to demonstrate any benefits of DL, our results must be interpreted with caution. This paper approached the software from a specific angle, and the potential benefits of DL—such as improving efficiency and boosting radiologists’ confidence—should not be overlooked. Moreover, DL software performance is continually improving with each iteration, fueled by advancements in underlying algorithms and an increasing size of training data. Furthermore, we must consider ways to enhance radiologists’ understanding of DL software and identify the most effective methods for radiologists to interact with and glean beneficial outputs from these tools.

We firmly believe that DL will play an indispensable role in radiology in the coming years. Our research group routinely uses DL-based tools in clinical practice, including the one featured in this study, as we find they aid our practice.

Key points

  • Radiologists with varying experiences assigned the scores with and without the DL.
  • The radiologists infrequently changed their initial PI-RADS scores.
  • The DL software did not improve the PI-RADS scoring consistency.
  • The DL software did not improve the performance in identifying csPCa.

Article: Does deep learning software improve the consistency and performance of radiologists with various levels of experience in assessing bi-parametric prostate MRI?

Authors: Aydan Arslan, Deniz Alis, Servet Erdemli, Mustafa Ege Seker, Gokberk Zeybel, Sabri Sirolu, Serpil Kurtcan & Ercan Karaarslan

WRITTEN BY

  • Deniz Alis

    Department of Radiology, School of Medicine, Acibadem Mehmet Ali Aydinlar University, Istanbul, Turkey

Latest posts

Become A Member Today!

You will have access to a wide range of benefits that can help you advance your career and stay up-to-date with the latest developments in the field of radiology. These benefits include access to educational resources, networking opportunities with other professionals in the field, opportunities to participate in research projects and clinical trials, and access to the latest technologies and techniques. 

Check out our different membership options.

If you don’t find a fitting membership send us an email here.

Membership

for radiologists, radiology residents, professionals of allied sciences (including radiographers/radiological technologists, nuclear medicine physicians, medical physicists, and data scientists) & professionals of allied sciences in training residing within the boundaries of Europe

  • Reduced registration fees for ECR 1
  • Reduced fees for the European School of Radiology (ESOR) 2
  • Option to participate in the European Diploma. 3
  • Free electronic access to the journal European Radiology 
  • Content e-mails for all ESR journals4
  • Updates on offers & events through our newsletters
  • Exclusive access to the ESR feed in Juisci

€ 11 /year

Yes! That is less than €1 per month.

Free membership

for radiologists, radiology residents or professionals of allied sciences engaged in practice, teaching or research residing outside Europe as well as individual qualified professionals with an interest in radiology and medical imaging who do not fulfil individual or all requirements for any other ESR membership category & former full members who have retired from all clinical practice
  • Reduced registration fees for ECR 1
  • Option to participate in the European Diploma. 3
  • Free electronic access to the journal European Radiology
  • Content e-mails for all ESR journals 4
  • Updates on offers & events through our newsletters
  • Exclusive access to the ESR feed in Juisci

€ 0

The best things in life are free.

ESR Friends

For students, company representatives or hospital managers etc.

  • Content e-mails for all 3 ESR journals 4
  • Updates on offers & events through our newsletters

€ 0

Friendship doesn’t cost a thing.

The membership type best fitting for you will be selected automatically during the application process.

Footnotes:

01

Reduced registration fees for ECR 2025:
Provided that ESR 2024 membership is activated and approved by August 31, 2024.

02
Not all activities included
03
Examination based on the ESR European Training Curriculum (radiologists or radiology residents).
04
European Radiology, Insights into Imaging, European Radiology Experimental.