ESR Essentials: a step-by-step guide of segmentation for radiologists-practice recommendations by the European Society of Medical Imaging Informatics.

Journal: European radiology
Published Date:

Abstract

High-quality segmentation is important for AI-driven radiological research and clinical practice, with the potential to play an even more prominent role in the future. As medical imaging advances, accurately segmenting anatomical and pathological structures is increasingly used to obtain quantitative data and valuable insights. Segmentation and volumetric analysis could enable more precise diagnosis, treatment planning, and patient monitoring. These guidelines aim to improve segmentation accuracy and consistency, allowing for better decision-making in both research and clinical environments. Practical advice on planning and organization is provided, focusing on quality, precision, and communication among clinical teams. Additionally, tips and strategies for improving segmentation practices in radiology and radiation oncology are discussed, as are potential pitfalls to avoid. KEY POINTS: As AI continues to advance, volumetry will become more integrated into clinical practice, making it essential for radiologists to stay informed about its applications in diagnosis and treatment planning. There is a significant lack of practical guidelines and resources tailored specifically for radiologists on technical topics like segmentation and volumetric analysis. Establishing clear rules and best practices for segmentation can streamline volumetric assessment in clinical settings, making it easier to manage and leading to more accurate decision-making for patient care.

Authors

  • Kalina Chupetlovska
    Department of Radiology, Netherlands Cancer Institute, Amsterdam, The Netherlands.
  • Tugba Akinci D'Antonoli
    Department of Radiology and Nuclear Medicine, University Hospital Basel, University of Basel, Basel, Switzerland.
  • Zuhir Bodalal
    Department of Radiology, The Netherlands Cancer Institute, Amsterdam, The Netherlands.
  • Mohamed A Abdelatty
    Department of Radiology, Netherlands Cancer Institute, Amsterdam, The Netherlands.
  • Hendrik Erenstein
    Department of Medical Imaging and Radiation Therapy, The Hanze University of Applied Sciences, Groningen, The Netherlands.
  • João Santinha
    Champalimaud Research, Champalimaud Foundation, Lisbon, Portugal.
  • Merel Huisman
    Department of Radiology, University Medical Center Utrecht, Utrecht, The Netherlands. merel.huisman1@gmail.com.
  • Jacob J Visser
    Department of Radiology & Nuclear Medicine, Erasmus University Medical Center, Rotterdam, The Netherlands.
  • Stefano Trebeschi
    Department of Radiology, the Netherlands Cancer Institute, Amsterdam, The Netherlands.
  • Kevin B W Groot Lipman
    Department of Radiology, The Netherlands Cancer Institute, Amsterdam, The Netherlands.

Keywords

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