A Multiparametric Fusion Deep Learning Model Based on DCE-MRI for Preoperative Prediction of Microvascular Invasion in Intrahepatic Cholangiocarcinoma

Wenyu Gao*, Wentao Wang*, Danjun Song*, Kang Wang, Danlan Lian, Chun Yang, Kai Zhu, Jiaping Zheng, Mengsu Zeng, Sheng-xiang Rao† and Manning Wang†

Journal of Magnetic Resonance Imaging (2022, IF=4.813)

Abstract

Background: Assessment of microvascular invasion (MVI) in intrahepatic cholangiocarcinoma (ICC) by using a noninvasive method is an unresolved issue. Deep learning (DL) methods based on multiparametric fusion of MR images have the potential of preoperative assessment of MVI.

Purpose: To investigate whether a multiparametric fusion DL model based on MR images can be used for preoperative assessment of MVI in ICC.

Study type: Retrospective.

Population: A total of 519 patients (200 females and 319 males) with a single ICC were categorized as a training(n=361), validation (n=90), and an external test cohort (n=68).

Field strength/Sequence: A 1.5 T and 3.0 T; axial T2-weighted turbo spin-echo sequence, diffusion-weighted imaging with a single-shot spin-echo planar sequence, and dynamic contrast-enhanced (DCE) imaging with T1-weighted three-dimensional quick spoiled gradient echo sequence.

Assessment: DL models of multiparametric fusion convolutional neural network (CNN) and late fusion CNN were both constructed for evaluating MVI in ICC. Gradient-weighted class activation mapping was used for visual interpretation of MVI status in ICC.

Statistical Tests: The DL model performance was assessed through the receiver operating characteristic curve (ROC) analysis, and the area under the ROC curve (AUC) with the accuracy, sensitivity, and specificity were measured. P value < 0.05 was considered as statistical significance.

Results: In the external test cohort, the proposed multiparametric fusion DL model achieved an AUC of 0.888 with an accuracy of 86.8%, sensitivity of 85.7%, and specificity of 87.0% for evaluating MVI in ICC, and the positive predictive value and negative predictive value were 63.2% and 95.9%, respectively. The late fusion DL model achieved a lower AUC of0.866, with an accuracy of 83.8%, sensitivity of 78.6%, specificity of 85.2% for evaluating MVI in ICC.

Paper Link:https://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/abs/10.1002/jmri.28126