AI approach of cycle-consistent generative adversarial networks to synthesize PET images to train computer-aided diagnosis algorithm for dementia

Ann Nucl Med. 2020 Jul;34(7):512-515. doi: 10.1007/s12149-020-01468-5. Epub 2020 Apr 20.

Abstract

Objective: An artificial intelligence (AI)-based algorithm typically requires a considerable amount of training data; however, few training images are available for dementia with Lewy bodies and frontotemporal lobar degeneration. Therefore, this study aims to present the potential of cycle-consistent generative adversarial networks (CycleGAN) to obtain enough number of training images for AI-based computer-aided diagnosis (CAD) algorithms for diagnosing dementia.

Methods: We trained CycleGAN using 43 amyloid-negative and 45 positive images in slice-by-slice.

Results: The CycleGAN can be used to synthesize reasonable amyloid-positive images, and the continuity of slices was preserved.

Discussion: Our results show that CycleGAN has the potential to generate a sufficient number of training images for CAD of dementia.

Keywords: AI (artificial intelligence); Amyloid imaging; CAD (computer-aided diagnosis).

MeSH terms

  • Dementia / diagnostic imaging*
  • Diagnosis, Computer-Assisted*
  • Humans
  • Image Processing, Computer-Assisted / methods*
  • Neural Networks, Computer*
  • Positron-Emission Tomography*

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