Empowering change for endometriosis
AI model IMAGENDO® shortens diagnosis time of endometriosis through the examination of ultrasounds and MRI data, crucial in improving care and reducing invasiveness for reproductive health.
Endometriosis is a chronic medical condition where the endometrium tissue grows outside the uterus, affecting approximately 10% of women globally. This abnormal tissue growth most commonly occurs in the pelvic area, such as on the ovaries, fallopian tubes and the lining of the pelvis. The condition is associated with a range of symptoms including pelvic pain, painful menstruation, pain during intercourse and sometimes fertility issues.
The displaced endometrial tissue responds to hormonal changes in the same way as the tissue inside the uterus, leading to inflammation, pain and the formation of scar tissue or adhesions. As a result, endometriosis can significantly impact a person’s quality of life and requires medical management, which may include pain relief, hormonal therapy, and in some cases surgical intervention.
A novel AI system, developed through a collaboration between the University of Adelaide (Australia) and researchers from the University of Surrey (UK), holds the potential to enhance the well-being of countless individuals afflicted by endometriosis. Utilizing AI technology, the IMAGENDO® system examines ultrasound and MRI data, substantially reducing the duration required for diagnosing endometriosis, which typically takes over six years to be accurately identified.
The extended time for identifying endometriosis can result in feelings of anxiety, depression and fatigue, which often necessitates patients to seek guidance from numerous healthcare providers. This prolonged diagnostic path might require invasive surgery, exposing many patients to notable health and financial vulnerabilities, and at present, lacks a dependable non-invasive test.
“While the legitimate concerns about the use of AI have dominated the headlines, here is an example of how this technology can improve the lives of millions of people who suffer from endometriosis and severe pelvic pain,” said Professor Gustavo Carneiro, one of the Chief Investigators of IMAGENDO®. “IMAGENDO® is introducing innovative AI capabilities to provide fast, non-invasive endometriosis diagnosis by combining MRI and ultrasound technology.”
The Robinson Research Institute at the University of Adelaide is at the forefront of developing the IMAGENDO® model. This initiative has recently earned a spot on the esteemed shortlist for the ANSTO Eureka Prize for Innovative Use of Technology. Presented annually by the Australian Museum (Sydney, Australia), the Eureka Prizes acknowledge individuals and groups making significant contributions to science in Australia.
