RSNA 2024: Philips, icometrix Develop AI-based Imaging Solutions

Royal Philips and computer-aided diagnostics company icometrix have partnered to deploy an AI-driven, end-to-end solution for acquiring, reading, and reporting the results of MRI brain scans to optimize diagnosis and treatment monitoring of neurological conditions, including Alzheimer’s and multiple sclerosis (MS). This technology will be unveiled at RSNA 2024.

Icometrix’s AI-powered quantitative reporting software has been integrated into Philips’ latest BlueSeal MR scanners through Philips’ new Smart Reading capability¹, providing a consistent and more accurate diagnosis. 

The software will also be deployed on Philips’ healthcare informatics platform – including Philips’ cloud-based AI Manager.

“Our icobrain imaging AI measures are rapidly becoming the standard of care for diagnosis and monitoring of neurological conditions,” said Wim Van Hecke, CEO of icometrix. “MRI quantification is crucial to unlock precision medicine, especially in the Alzheimer’s disease care pathway, which is why our partnership with Philips is so well timed. We have developed the leading AI solutions for brain MRI monitoring, received CPT III code reimbursement in the US, and we will be able to support radiologists, neurologists, and people with neurological conditions at scale through this collaboration.”

“Philips is at the forefront of applying AI to help save time and improve diagnostic accuracy so clinicians can deliver better care to more patients,” said Shez Partovi, Chief Innovation & Strategy Officer at Philips. “As these innovations continue to evolve, they hold great promise for transforming the landscape of neurological care, offering hope for better management of chronic conditions like Alzheimer’s and MS. Our partnership with icometrix is an important step forward in the use of AI to help mitigate staff shortages, lower the cost of care, increase diagnostic confidence, and facilitate care orchestration of personalized plans for the growing number of people who are diagnosed with Alzheimer’s disease.”

Philips’ latest BlueSeal MR scanners come with standardized AI-based SmartExam planning and AI-accelerated SmartSpeed protocols to image ARIA quickly and easily. Philips’ Smart Reading software⁴ also allows end-to-end seamless integration of imaging protocols with the icometrix icobrain ARIA software to deliver fast, fully automated, quantitative outcomes for Alzheimer’s patients.  

These breakthrough AI-driven diagnostic and therapy monitoring capabilities are integrated into Philips’ healthcare informatics platform and fit seamlessly into radiology MR workflows and hospital PACS.

Icobrain ARIA is the only FDA-cleared solution that is classified as computer-aided detection and diagnosis. Icobrain ARIA can detect and grade the severity of amyloid-related imaging abnormalities. 

The system quantifies, in a fully automated way, the extent of a potentially fatal side effect of anti-amyloid drugs known as amyloid-related imaging abnormalities (ARIA)—typically fluid buildup in the brain or blood leakage into brain tissue. Monitoring ARIA throughout therapy allows neurologists to adjust a patient’s therapy to minimize these side effects.

To ensure a more confident diagnosis of MS, new clinical guidelines have been introduced that include a special MR imaging protocol and FLAIR* generation in Philips Advanced Visualization Workspace to simultaneously create high-quality images of white matter lesions and veins. 

Philips is currently the only commercial supplier of MR scanners that can perform FLAIR* imaging. icometrix icobrain ms, also seamlessly integrates on the Philips MR scanner and Philips AI Manager. It counts the number of white-matter lesions forming around veins and it allows for longitudinal and quantitative comparison of follow-up MRI exams, which are essential for treatment decision-making.

Philips’ latest neuroimaging solutions and icometrix’s software solutions for Alzheimer’s and MS will be available on the Philips BlueSeal 1.5T MR scanners and Philips’ 3.0T MR portfolio. 

The solutions will be demonstrated in the Philips (booth #6730) and the icometrix (booth #4903) at the Radiological Society of North America Annual Meeting from December 1-4.

References:

¹ BlueSeal XE/SE and Smart Reading is not yet CE marked, not cleared in all countries, and not yet available for delivery in any country. Please consult your Philips contact person for further information.

² Philips and Icometrix have the intention to make icobrain aria software available for reselling in the USA through the Philips catalog, as well as a Smart Reading solution on MR platforms. Philips AI Manager is not intended for data interpretation or diagnosis. Availability of 3rd party algorithm may vary per market. The functionalities and benefits of the solution depend on customer-specific configuration and use. Please contact your local Philips representative for market availability.