Artificial intelligence-enhanced comprehensive assessment of the aortic valve stenosis continuum in echocardiography.

BACKGROUND

Transthoracic echocardiography (TTE) is the primary modality for diagnosing aortic stenosis (AS), yet it requires skilled operators and can be resource-intensive. We developed and validated an artificial intelligence (AI)-based system for evaluating AS that is effective in both resource-limited and advanced settings.

METHODS

We created a dual-pathway AI system for AS evaluation using a nationwide echocardiographic dataset (developmental dataset, n = 8427): 1) a deep learning (DL)-based AS continuum assessment algorithm using limited 2D TTE videos, and 2) automating conventional AS evaluation. We performed internal (internal test dataset [ITDS], n = 841) and external validation (distinct hospital dataset [DHDS], n = 1696; temporally distinct dataset [TDDS], n = 772) for diagnostic value across various stages of AS and prognostic value for composite endpoints (cardiovascular death, heart failure, and aortic valve replacement).

FINDINGS

The DL index for the AS continuum (DLi-ASc, range 0-100) increased with worsening AS severity and demonstrated excellent discrimination for any AS (AUC 0.91-0.99), significant AS (0.95-0.98), and severe AS (0.97-0.99). DLi-ASc was independent predictor for composite endpoint (adjusted hazard ratios 2.19, 1.64, and 1.61 per 10-point increase in ITDS, DHDS, and TDDS, respectively). Automatic measurement of conventional AS parameters demonstrated excellent correlation with manual measurement, resulting in high accuracy for AS staging (98.2% for ITDS, 82.1% for DHDS, and 96.8% for TDDS) and comparable prognostic value to manually-derived parameters.

INTERPRETATION

The AI-based system provides accurate and prognostically valuable AS assessment, suitable for various clinical settings. Further validation studies are planned to confirm its effectiveness across diverse environments.

FUNDING

This work was supported by a grant from the Institute of Information & Communications Technology Planning & Evaluation (IITP) funded by the Korea government (Ministry of Science and ICT; MSIT, Republic of Korea) (No. 2022000972, Development of a Flexible Mobile Healthcare Software Platform Using 5G MEC); and the Medical AI Clinic Program through the National IT Industry Promotion Agency (NIPA) funded by the MSIT, Republic of Korea (Grant No.: H0904-24-1002).