AI-Assisted Ultrasound for the Early Diagnosis of Antibody-Negative Autoimmune Thyroiditis

Abstract

The prevalence of antibody-negative chronic autoimmune thyroiditis (SN-CAT) is increasing. The early diagnosis of SN-CAT can effectively prevent its further development. Thyroid ultrasound can diagnose autoimmune thyroiditis and predict hypothyroidism. Primary hypothyroidism with a hypoechoic pattern suggested by thyroid ultrasound and negative thyroid serum antibodies is the main basis for the diagnosis of SN-CAT. However, for early SN-CAT, only hypoechoic thyroid changes and serological antibodies are currently available. This study explored how to achieve an accurate and early diagnosis of SN-CAT and prevent the development of SN-CAT combined with hypothyroidism. The diagnosis of a hypoechoic thyroid by artificial intelligence is expected to be a breakthrough in the accurate diagnosis of SN-CAT.

Keywords:

• antibody negative
• autoimmune thyroiditis
• hypothyroidism
• hypoechoic thyroid
• artificial intelligence
• Hashimoto’s disease

Data Sharing Statement

All data generated or analysed during this study are included in this article. Further enquiries can be directed to the corresponding author.

Review

An ethics statement is not applicable because this study is based exclusively on published literature.

Disclosure

All of the authors had no any personal, financial, commercial, or academic conflicts of interest separately for this work.

Additional information

Funding

Applied Basic Research Program of Liaoning Science and Technology Department (No. 2022020247-JH2/1013). Project of Beitun Science and Technology Bureau of the 10th Division of Xinjiang Production and Construction Corps (No. 2022-179-03).