Philips and icometrix advance precision diagnosis in neurology

Royal Philips and computer-aided diagnostics company icometrix (Leuven, Belgium) have teamed up 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). Unveiled at RSNA 2024, icometrix’s unique AI-powered quantitative reporting software is seamlessly integrated into Philips’ latest BlueSeal MR scanners through Philips’ new Smart Reading capability, providing consistent and more accurate diagnosis. The software will also be deployed on Philips’ healthcare informatics platform – including Philips cloud-based AI Manager.

The introduction of new drugs that slow the progression of Alzheimer’s emphasizes the critical role of MRI in patient management. By leveraging advanced MRI techniques, neurologists can identify the most suitable candidates for these therapies, ensuring timely and personalized treatment. AI's ability to extract quantitative measurements from brain scans enhances the diagnostic process, enabling quicker decision-making and improved monitoring of disease progression. This integration of technology increases efficiency for healthcare providers and leads to more tailored treatment.

In addition to icometrix’s icobrain dm software for differential dementia diagnosis, the solution also includes the company’s icobrain ARIA software. 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. Icobrain ARIA 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 over the course of therapy allows neurologists to adjust a patient’s therapy to minimize these side effects.

Philips’ latest BlueSeal MR scanners are delivered with standardized AI-based SmartExam planning and AI-accelerated SmartSpeed protocols to image ARIA quickly and easily. Philips unique Smart Reading software 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. Integrated into Philips’ healthcare informatics platform, these breakthrough AI-driven diagnostic and therapy monitoring capabilities fit seamlessly into radiology MR workflows and hospital PACS.

Speeding the differential diagnosis of multiple sclerosis
To ensure 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 – a characteristic highly specific to MS and it also allows for longitudinal and quantitative comparison of follow-up MRI exams, which are essential for treatment decision-making.