TY - GEN A1 - Römmele, Christoph A1 - Mendel, Robert A1 - Rauber, David A1 - Rückert, Tobias A1 - Byrne, Michael F. A1 - Palm, Christoph A1 - Messmann, Helmut A1 - Ebigbo, Alanna T1 - Endoscopic Diagnosis of Eosinophilic Esophagitis Using a deep Learning Algorithm T2 - Endoscopy N2 - Aims Eosinophilic esophagitis (EoE) is easily missed during endoscopy, either because physicians are not familiar with its endoscopic features or the morphologic changes are too subtle. In this preliminary paper, we present the first attempt to detect EoE in endoscopic white light (WL) images using a deep learning network (EoE-AI). Methods 401 WL images of eosinophilic esophagitis and 871 WL images of normal esophageal mucosa were evaluated. All images were assessed for the Endoscopic Reference score (EREFS) (edema, rings, exudates, furrows, strictures). Images with strictures were excluded. EoE was defined as the presence of at least 15 eosinophils per high power field on biopsy. A convolutional neural network based on the ResNet architecture with several five-fold cross-validation runs was used. Adding auxiliary EREFS-classification branches to the neural network allowed the inclusion of the scores as optimization criteria during training. EoE-AI was evaluated for sensitivity, specificity, and F1-score. In addition, two human endoscopists evaluated the images. Results EoE-AI showed a mean sensitivity, specificity, and F1 of 0.759, 0.976, and 0.834 respectively, averaged over the five distinct cross-validation runs. With the EREFS-augmented architecture, a mean sensitivity, specificity, and F1-score of 0.848, 0.945, and 0.861 could be demonstrated respectively. In comparison, the two human endoscopists had an average sensitivity, specificity, and F1-score of 0.718, 0.958, and 0.793. Conclusions To the best of our knowledge, this is the first application of deep learning to endoscopic images of EoE which were also assessed after augmentation with the EREFS-score. The next step is the evaluation of EoE-AI using an external dataset. We then plan to assess the EoE-AI tool on endoscopic videos, and also in real-time. This preliminary work is encouraging regarding the ability for AI to enhance physician detection of EoE, and potentially to do a true “optical biopsy” but more work is needed. KW - Eosinophilic Esophagitis KW - Endoscopy KW - Deep Learning Y1 - 2021 U6 - https://doi.org/10.1055/s-0041-1724274 VL - 53 IS - S 01 PB - Georg Thieme Verlag CY - Stuttgart ER - TY - GEN A1 - Scheppach, Markus W. A1 - Rauber, David A1 - Mendel, Robert A1 - Palm, Christoph A1 - Byrne, Michael F. A1 - Messmann, Helmut A1 - Ebigbo, Alanna T1 - Detection Of Celiac Disease Using A Deep Learning Algorithm T2 - Endoscopy N2 - Aims Celiac disease (CD) is a complex condition caused by an autoimmune reaction to ingested gluten. Due to its polymorphic manifestation and subtle endoscopic presentation, the diagnosis is difficult and thus the disorder is underreported. We aimed to use deep learning to identify celiac disease on endoscopic images of the small bowel. Methods Patients with small intestinal histology compatible with CD (MARSH classification I-III) were extracted retrospectively from the database of Augsburg University hospital. They were compared to patients with no clinical signs of CD and histologically normal small intestinal mucosa. In a first step MARSH III and normal small intestinal mucosa were differentiated with the help of a deep learning algorithm. For this, the endoscopic white light images were divided into five equal-sized subsets. We avoided splitting the images of one patient into several subsets. A ResNet-50 model was trained with the images from four subsets and then validated with the remaining subset. This process was repeated for each subset, such that each subset was validated once. Sensitivity, specificity, and harmonic mean (F1) of the algorithm were determined. Results The algorithm showed values of 0.83, 0.88, and 0.84 for sensitivity, specificity, and F1, respectively. Further data showing a comparison between the detection rate of the AI model and that of experienced endoscopists will be available at the time of the upcoming conference. Conclusions We present the first clinical report on the use of a deep learning algorithm for the detection of celiac disease using endoscopic images. Further evaluation on an external data set, as well as in the detection of CD in real-time, will follow. However, this work at least suggests that AI can assist endoscopists in the endoscopic diagnosis of CD, and ultimately may be able to do a true optical biopsy in live-time. KW - Celiac Disease KW - Deep Learning Y1 - 2021 U6 - https://doi.org/10.1055/s-0041-1724970 N1 - Digital poster exhibition VL - 53 IS - S 01 PB - Georg Thieme Verlag CY - Stuttgart ER - TY - GEN A1 - Scheppach, Markus W. A1 - Mendel, Robert A1 - Probst, Andreas A1 - Meinikheim, Michael A1 - Palm, Christoph A1 - Messmann, Helmut A1 - Ebigbo, Alanna T1 - Artificial Intelligence (AI) – assisted vessel and tissue recognition during third space endoscopy (Smart ESD) T2 - Zeitschrift für Gastroenterologie N2 - Clinical setting  Third space procedures such as endoscopic submucosal dissection (ESD) and peroral endoscopic myotomy (POEM) are complex minimally invasive techniques with an elevated risk for operator-dependent adverse events such as bleeding and perforation. This risk arises from accidental dissection into the muscle layer or through submucosal blood vessels as the submucosal cutting plane within the expanding resection site is not always apparent. Deep learning algorithms have shown considerable potential for the detection and characterization of gastrointestinal lesions. So-called AI – clinical decision support solutions (AI-CDSS) are commercially available for polyp detection during colonoscopy. Until now, these computer programs have concentrated on diagnostics whereas an AI-CDSS for interventional endoscopy has not yet been introduced. We aimed to develop an AI-CDSS („Smart ESD“) for real-time intra-procedural detection and delineation of blood vessels, tissue structures and endoscopic instruments during third-space endoscopic procedures. Characteristics of Smart ESD  An AI-CDSS was invented that delineates blood vessels, tissue structures and endoscopic instruments during third-space endoscopy in real-time. The output can be displayed by an overlay over the endoscopic image with different modes of visualization, such as a color-coded semitransparent area overlay, or border tracing (demonstration video). Hereby the optimal layer for dissection can be visualized, which is close above or directly at the muscle layer, depending on the applied technique (ESD or POEM). Furthermore, relevant blood vessels (thickness> 1mm) are delineated. Spatial proximity between the electrosurgical knife and a blood vessel triggers a warning signal. By this guidance system, inadvertent dissection through blood vessels could be averted. Technical specifications  A DeepLabv3+ neural network architecture with KSAC and a 101-layer ResNeSt backbone was used for the development of Smart ESD. It was trained and validated with 2565 annotated still images from 27 full length third-space endoscopic videos. The annotation classes were blood vessel, submucosal layer, muscle layer, electrosurgical knife and endoscopic instrument shaft. A test on a separate data set yielded an intersection over union (IoU) of 68%, a Dice Score of 80% and a pixel accuracy of 87%, demonstrating a high overlap between expert and AI segmentation. Further experiments on standardized video clips showed a mean vessel detection rate (VDR) of 85% with values of 92%, 70% and 95% for POEM, rectal ESD and esophageal ESD respectively. False positive measurements occurred 0.75 times per minute. 7 out of 9 vessels which caused intraprocedural bleeding were caught by the algorithm, as well as both vessels which required hemostasis via hemostatic forceps. Future perspectives  Smart ESD performed well for vessel and tissue detection and delineation on still images, as well as on video clips. During a live demonstration in the endoscopy suite, clinical applicability of the innovation was examined. The lag time for processing of the live endoscopic image was too short to be visually detectable for the interventionist. Even though the algorithm could not be applied during actual dissection by the interventionist, Smart ESD appeared readily deployable during visual assessment by ESD experts. Therefore, we plan to conduct a clinical trial in order to obtain CE-certification of the algorithm. This new technology may improve procedural safety and speed, as well as training of modern minimally invasive endoscopic resection techniques. KW - Artificial Intelligence KW - Medical Image Computing KW - Endoscopy KW - Bildgebendes Verfahren KW - Medizin KW - Künstliche Intelligenz KW - Endoskopie Y1 - 2022 U6 - https://doi.org/10.1055/s-0042-1755110 VL - 60 IS - 08 PB - Georg Thieme Verlag CY - Stuttgart ER - TY - GEN A1 - Scheppach, Markus A1 - Rauber, David A1 - Stallhofer, Johannes A1 - Muzalyova, Anna A1 - Otten, Vera A1 - Manzeneder, Carolin A1 - Schwamberger, Tanja A1 - Wanzl, Julia A1 - Schlottmann, Jakob A1 - Tadic, Vidan A1 - Probst, Andreas A1 - Schnoy, Elisabeth A1 - Römmele, Christoph A1 - Fleischmann, Carola A1 - Meinikheim, Michael A1 - Miller, Silvia A1 - Märkl, Bruno A1 - Palm, Christoph A1 - Messmann, Helmut A1 - Ebigbo, Alanna T1 - Performance comparison of a deep learning algorithm with endoscopists in the detection of duodenal villous atrophy (VA) T2 - Endoscopy N2 - Aims  VA is an endoscopic finding of celiac disease (CD), which can easily be missed if pretest probability is low. In this study, we aimed to develop an artificial intelligence (AI) algorithm for the detection of villous atrophy on endoscopic images. Methods 858 images from 182 patients with VA and 846 images from 323 patients with normal duodenal mucosa were used for training and internal validation of an AI algorithm (ResNet18). A separate dataset was used for external validation, as well as determination of detection performance of experts, trainees and trainees with AI support. According to the AI consultation distribution, images were stratified into “easy” and “difficult”. Results Internal validation showed 82%, 85% and 84% for sensitivity, specificity and accuracy. External validation showed 90%, 76% and 84%. The algorithm was significantly more sensitive and accurate than trainees, trainees with AI support and experts in endoscopy. AI support in trainees was associated with significantly improved performance. While all endoscopists showed significantly lower detection for “difficult” images, AI performance remained stable. Conclusions The algorithm outperformed trainees and experts in sensitivity and accuracy for VA detection. The significant improvement with AI support suggests a potential clinical benefit. Stable performance of the algorithm in “easy” and “difficult” test images may indicate an advantage in macroscopically challenging cases. Y1 - 2023 U6 - https://doi.org/10.1055/s-0043-1765421 VL - 55 IS - S02 PB - Thieme ER - TY - GEN A1 - Meinikheim, Michael A1 - Mendel, Robert A1 - Probst, Andreas A1 - Scheppach, Markus W. A1 - Schnoy, Elisabeth A1 - Nagl, Sandra A1 - Römmele, Christoph A1 - Prinz, Friederike A1 - Schlottmann, Jakob A1 - Golger, Daniela A1 - Palm, Christoph A1 - Messmann, Helmut A1 - Ebigbo, Alanna T1 - AI-assisted detection and characterization of early Barrett's neoplasia: Results of an Interim analysis T2 - Endoscopy N2 - Aims  Evaluation of the add-on effect an artificial intelligence (AI) based clinical decision support system has on the performance of endoscopists with different degrees of expertise in the field of Barrett's esophagus (BE) and Barrett's esophagus-related neoplasia (BERN). Methods  The support system is based on a multi-task deep learning model trained to solve a segmentation and several classification tasks. The training approach represents an extension of the ECMT semi-supervised learning algorithm. The complete system evaluates a decision tree between estimated motion, classification, segmentation, and temporal constraints, to decide when and how the prediction is highlighted to the observer. In our current study, ninety-six video cases of patients with BE and BERN were prospectively collected and assessed by Barrett's specialists and non-specialists. All video cases were evaluated twice – with and without AI assistance. The order of appearance, either with or without AI support, was assigned randomly. Participants were asked to detect and characterize regions of dysplasia or early neoplasia within the video sequences. Results  Standalone sensitivity, specificity, and accuracy of the AI system were 92.16%, 68.89%, and 81.25%, respectively. Mean sensitivity, specificity, and accuracy of expert endoscopists without AI support were 83,33%, 58,20%, and 71,48 %, respectively. Gastroenterologists without Barrett's expertise but with AI support had a comparable performance with a mean sensitivity, specificity, and accuracy of 76,63%, 65,35%, and 71,36%, respectively. Conclusions  Non-Barrett's experts with AI support had a similar performance as experts in a video-based study. Y1 - 2023 U6 - https://doi.org/10.1055/s-0043-1765437 VL - 55 IS - S02 PB - Thieme ER - TY - GEN A1 - Scheppach, Markus W. A1 - Mendel, Robert A1 - Probst, Andreas A1 - Rauber, David A1 - Rueckert, Tobias A1 - Meinikheim, Michael A1 - Palm, Christoph A1 - Messmann, Helmut A1 - Ebigbo, Alanna T1 - Real-time detection and delineation of tissue during third-space endoscopy using artificial intelligence (AI) T2 - Endoscopy N2 - Aims  AI has proven great potential in assisting endoscopists in diagnostics, however its role in therapeutic endoscopy remains unclear. Endoscopic submucosal dissection (ESD) is a technically demanding intervention with a slow learning curve and relevant risks like bleeding and perforation. Therefore, we aimed to develop an algorithm for the real-time detection and delineation of relevant structures during third-space endoscopy. Methods  5470 still images from 59 full length videos (47 ESD, 12 POEM) were annotated. 179681 additional unlabeled images were added to the training dataset. Consequently, a DeepLabv3+ neural network architecture was trained with the ECMT semi-supervised algorithm (under review elsewhere). Evaluation of vessel detection was performed on a dataset of 101 standardized video clips from 15 separate third-space endoscopy videos with 200 predefined blood vessels. Results  Internal validation yielded an overall mean Dice score of 85% (68% for blood vessels, 86% for submucosal layer, 88% for muscle layer). On the video test data, the overall vessel detection rate (VDR) was 94% (96% for ESD, 74% for POEM). The median overall vessel detection time (VDT) was 0.32 sec (0.3 sec for ESD, 0.62 sec for POEM). Conclusions  Evaluation of the developed algorithm on a video test dataset showed high VDR and quick VDT, especially for ESD. Further research will focus on a possible clinical benefit of the AI application for VDR and VDT during third-space endoscopy. KW - Speiseröhrenkrankheit KW - Künstliche Intelligenz KW - Artificial Intelligence Y1 - 2023 U6 - https://doi.org/10.1055/s-0043-1765128 VL - 55 IS - S02 SP - S53 EP - S54 PB - Thieme ER -