Dear AuntMinnie Member,
CHICAGO - As RSNA 2018 draws to a close, one thing is clear: Artificial intelligence (AI) is once again king in the halls of McCormick Place.
AI-themed scientific papers drew standing-room-only crowds -- even after being relocated to larger rooms than at RSNA 2017. The RSNA's Machine Learning Showcase drew nearly 80 firms showing their algorithms for applying AI to radiology's toughest problems. And elsewhere in the technical exhibits, any vendor that could tried to make the case that its products and services were powered by AI.
The question is, now what? Artificial intelligence is still in its infancy when it comes to radiology. Few vendors have U.S. Food and Drug Administration clearance to sell their AI software, and even fewer clinical sites are using the algorithms, as noted in our article on Wednesday by the PACSman, Mike Cannavo. What's more, a workable method for delivering AI to radiologists that fits with their existing workflow has yet to be adopted widely.
But that shouldn't dissuade anyone in radiology from staying excited about AI's potential. Much as PACS fell victim to hype in the early 1990s before becoming an integral part of the fabric of radiology, AI is in a growth phase that Dr. Paul Chang in a video interview on Monday likened to a roller coaster's steep climb before it plunges down the other side. "This is about to get real," he said.
It is indeed. So sit back and enjoy the ride. It's going to be a fun one.
More stories from Chicago
There were plenty of other hot stories this week at RSNA. For example, a study presented on Wednesday found that gadolinium accumulation from MRI contrast agents could be more widespread than previously thought. Also, learn about a novel airship that could bring radiology services into remote regions in our video interview with Dr. Dan Mollura of Rad-Aid International.
Finally, no RSNA conference would be complete without the PACSman Awards, by the aforementioned Mike Cannavo. Get Mike's wry take on developments on the technical exhibit floor, and be sure to visit rsna.auntminnie.com for all the news from Chicago.
