Development of HepatIA: A computed tomography annotation platform and database for artificial intelligence training in hepatocellular carcinoma detection at a Brazilian tertiary teaching hospital

Author(s):Show less -

Bruno Aragão Rocha ; Lorena Carneiro Ferreira ^[2] ; Luis Gustavo Rocha Vianna ; Ana Claudia Martins Ciconelle ; João Martins Cortez Filho ^[5] ; Lucas Salume Lima Nogueira ^[6] ; Maurício Ricardo Moreira da Silva Filho ^[7] ; Claudia da Costa Leite ^[8] ; Cesar Higar Nomura ^[9] ; Giovanni Guido Cerri ^[10] ; Flair José Carrilho ^[11] ; Suzane Kioko Ono ^[12]

• Document type: Journal article
• Source: Clinics; v. 79, 2024-11-22.

Abstract

Abstract Background Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is a prevalent tumor with high mortality rates. Computed tomography (CT) is crucial in the non-invasive diagnosis of HCC. Recent advancements in artificial intelligence (AI) have shown significant potential in medical imaging analysis. However, developing these AI algorithms is hindered by the scarcity of comprehensive, publicly available liver imaging datasets. Objectives This study aims to detail the tools, data organization, and database structuring used in creating HepatIA, a medical imaging annotation platform and database at a Brazilian tertiary teaching hospital. HepatIA supports liver disease AI research at the institution. Material and methods The authors collected baseline characteristics and CT scans of 656 patients from 2008 to 2021. The database, designed using PostgreSQL and implemented with Django and Vue.js, includes 692 CT volumes from a four-phase abdominal CT protocol. Radiologists made segmentation annotations using the OHIF medical image viewer, incorporating MONAI Label for pre-annotation segmentation models. The annotation process included detailed descriptions of liver morphology and nodule characteristics. Results The HepatIA database currently includes healthy individuals and those with liver diseases such as HCC and cirrhosis. The database dashboard facilitates user interaction with intuitive plots and histograms. Key patient demographics include 64% males and an average age of 56.89 years. The database supports various filters for detailed searches, enhancing research capabilities. Conclusion A comprehensive data structure was successfully created and integrated with the IT systems of a teaching hospital, enabling research on deep learning algorithms applied to abdominal CT scans for investigating hepatic lesions such as HCC. (AU)

• FAPESP's process: 20/07411-0 - LivIA: a tool for diagnostic aid for hepatic lesions
• Grantee: João Martins Cortez Filho
• Support Opportunities: Scholarships in Brazil - Technical Training Program - Technical Training
• FAPESP's process: 20/00037-5 - LivIA: a tool for diagnostic aid for hepatic lesions
• Grantee: Luis Gustavo Rocha Vianna
• Support Opportunities: Scholarships in Brazil - Innovative Research in Small Business - PIPE
• FAPESP's process: 19/05723-7 - LivIA - a tool for diagnostic aid for hepatic lesions
• Grantee: Luis Gustavo Rocha Vianna
• Support Opportunities: Research Grants - Innovative Research in Small Business - PIPE