Myo-Guide
An AI technology that can assist in the diagnosis and monitoring of neuromuscular diseases.
Myo-Guide is an innovative diagnostic solution designed to assist in the detection and monitoring of neuromuscular diseases.
Using advanced artifical intelligence (AI) technology, Myo-Guide analyses MRI scans.
It then quantifies patterns of fat replacement in muslces using the Mercuri score system.
Myo-Guide has the potential to enhance diagnsotic accuracy and enably early intervention.
Technology overview
Myo-Guide was initiated in 2018. It came from a study evaluating the efficacy of machine learnign in the diagnostic process of neuromuscular diseases. In the study, MRIs from over 1000 patients with confirmed diagnoses of 10 different neuromuscular diseases were analysed.
The project demonstrated significant potential in enhancing diagnostic capabilities using MRI data and AI.
Developing the tool
Development involved collecting and analysing 976 pelvic and lower-limb T1-weighted muscle MRIs from patients with 10 different muscular dystrophies.
These MRIs were quantified using the Mercuri score and a machine learning model was developed using random forest algorithms.
The data was split into training (70%) and validation (30%) sets to create a model that could accurately distinguish between different muscular dystrophies.
Model accuracy
The final model achieved an accuracy of 97.5% with a sensitivity of 92.1% and specificity of 99.4% The positive predictive value (PPV) was 98.06% and the
Data analysis
The model used random forest algorithms analysing data from 70 muscles in each MRI. Missing data were imputed using the rfImpute function.
Validation
The model was validated by comparing its diagnostic accuracy against that of four human experts. The AI model significantly outperformed the experts in correctly diagnosing a new set of 20 MRIs.
Stage of development / TRL
Myo-Guide is currently at TRL 5/6 - system prototype demonstration in an operational environment. The tool has been tested and validated with real-world data and is now being optimised for broader clinical application.
Benefits
Enhanced diagnostic accuracy
Myo-Guide significantly improves the accuracy of diagnosing neuromuscular diseases by analysing MRI patterns of muscle fat replacement
Early detection
The technology enables early diagnosis and intervention which is crucial for managing neuromuscular diseases effectively.
Clinical intergration
Myo-Guide can be integrated into existing diagnostic workflows aiding clinicians in making informed decisions based on AI-driven analysis.
Applications
- Application in clinical diagnostics can assist healthcare providers in accurately diagnosing and monitoring neuromuscular diseases.
- Supports research into muscle degradation and neuromuscular diseases by providing detailed diagnostic data.
- Enhances the diagnostic healthcare tools available to healthcare providers.
Opportunity and further information
We are seeking licensing, commercial partners or development partners.
Contact
For further information, please contact:
- Dr Anastassia Kostenko, Associate IP and Commercialisation Manager
- anastassia.kostenko@newcastle.ac.uk