Utility: ‘In challenging cases if the accuracy improves’?
A viable method for objectively and rapidly distinguishing inflammatory joint diseases, particularly in patients with an ambiguous clinical presentation, is an unmet need, according to Philip J. Mease, MD, director of rheumatology research at Swedish Medical Center, Seattle.
Dr. Philip J. Mease
Although the data presented are promising, Dr. Mease said in an interview that he believes there is a fair amount of work to be done before imaging analysis based on deep learning makes its way into routine clinical care. He is also hoping for methods to distinguish RA from PsA that are easier and less expensive, such as serum biomarkers. However, he agreed that a MRI-based tool could be useful when differentiating disease that is challenging.
“MRI is an expensive way for routine classification of disease, but this approach could be useful in challenging cases if the accuracy improves,” he said.
Meanwhile, other clinical researchers might want to test the principle. “You can try it,” said Dr. Simon, who reported that his team has made the methodology publicly available.
Dr. Simon reported no conflicts of interest. Dr. Mease reported financial relationships with more than 10 pharmaceutical companies, most of which make products used for the treatment of inflammatory joint diseases.