Artificial Intelligence (AI) Assisted CT/MRI Image Fusion Technique in Preoperative Evaluation of a Pelvic Bone Osteosarcoma

• Main Authors: Xin-hui Du, Hua Wei, Po Li, Wei-Tao Yao
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• Published: Frontiers Media S.A. 2020-08-01
• Series: Frontiers in Oncology
• Subjects: pelvic osteosarcoma; artificial intelligence; image fusion; tumor margin; irregular bone
• Online Access: https://www.frontiersin.org/article/10.3389/fonc.2020.01209/full

Surgeries of pelvic bone tumors are very challenging due to the complexity of anatomical structures and the irregular bone shape. CT and MRI are used in clinic for tumor evaluation, each with its own advantages and shortcomings. Combining the data of both CT and MRI images would take advantage of the merits of both images and provide better model for preoperative evaluation. We utilized an artificial intelligence (AI)-assisted CT/MRI image fusion technique and built a personalized 3-D model for preoperative tumor margin assessment. A young female patient with pelvic osteosarcoma was evaluated with our novel image fusion 3-D model in comparison with the 3-D model based solely on CT images. The fusion image model showed more detailed anatomical information and discovered multiple emboli within veins which were previously neglected. The discovery of emboli implied abysmal prognosis and discouraged any attempts for complex reconstruction after tumor resection. Based on the experience with this pelvic osteosarcoma, we believe that our image fusion model can be very informative with bone tumors. Though further validation with a large number of clinical cases is required, we propose that our model has the potential to benefit the clinic in the preoperative evaluation of bone tumors.