Artificial intelligence-assisted dermatology diagnosis: From unimodal to multimodal.

Journal: Computers in biology and medicine
Published Date:

Abstract

Artificial Intelligence (AI) is progressively permeating medicine, notably in the realm of assisted diagnosis. However, the traditional unimodal AI models, reliant on large volumes of accurately labeled data and single data type usage, prove insufficient to assist dermatological diagnosis. Augmenting these models with text data from patient narratives, laboratory reports, and image data from skin lesions, dermoscopy, and pathologies could significantly enhance their diagnostic capacity. Large-scale pre-training multimodal models offer a promising solution, exploiting the burgeoning reservoir of clinical data and amalgamating various data types. This paper delves into unimodal models' methodologies, applications, and shortcomings while exploring how multimodal models can enhance accuracy and reliability. Furthermore, integrating cutting-edge technologies like federated learning and multi-party privacy computing with AI can substantially mitigate patient privacy concerns in dermatological datasets and further fosters a move towards high-precision self-diagnosis. Diagnostic systems underpinned by large-scale pre-training multimodal models can facilitate dermatology physicians in formulating effective diagnostic and treatment strategies and herald a transformative era in healthcare.

Authors

  • Nan Luo
    School of Computer Science and Engineering, Nanjing University of Science and Technology, Nanjing, Jiangsu, China.
  • Xiaojing Zhong
    Hospital of Chengdu University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, No. 39 Shi-er-qiao Road, Chengdu, 610075, Sichuan, China. Electronic address: 1085056704@qq.com.
  • Luxin Su
    Hospital of Chengdu University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, No. 39 Shi-er-qiao Road, Chengdu, 610075, Sichuan, China. Electronic address: SuLuxin980112@stu.cdutcm.edu.cn.
  • Zilin Cheng
    Hospital of Chengdu University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, No. 39 Shi-er-qiao Road, Chengdu, 610075, Sichuan, China. Electronic address: 429835540@qq.com.
  • Wenyi Ma
    Hospital of Chengdu University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, No. 39 Shi-er-qiao Road, Chengdu, 610075, Sichuan, China. Electronic address: wenyima@stu.cdutcm.edu.cn.
  • Pingsheng Hao
    Hospital of Chengdu University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, No. 39 Shi-er-qiao Road, Chengdu, 610075, Sichuan, China. Electronic address: hpswl@126.com.