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6d ago

Peer-Reviewed Study Finds AI Detects Tiny Epilepsy Lesions in Children With High Accuracy

The Epilepsia paper reports up to 94% detection using combined MRI and PET, with most operated children becoming seizure-free.

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A young boy in a black had gives the peace sign in a close-up selfie with his dad, a man with grey facial hair.
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Overview

  • The Murdoch Children's Research Institute and The Royal Children's Hospital developed a neural-network detector for bottom-of-sulcus dysplasia using T1/FLAIR MRI plus FDG-PET.
  • In the study, 80% of lesions had been missed on routine MRI, but the AI identified lesions roughly the size of a blueberry that can guide targeted surgery.
  • Across 17 pediatric test cases, the AI achieved 94% detection with MRI+PET; 12 children proceeded to surgery and 11 are seizure-free.
  • The research involved 71 children at RCH and 23 adults at Austin Hospital, with adult scans providing additional validation of performance.
  • Researchers plan broader real-world trials across pediatric centers pending funding, as experts note PET cost, access, and radiation remain key constraints.