Evidence map›Paper›PMID 40956404›Full record

SynthesisRadiologie (Heidelberg, Germany)2025

Machine and deep learning for MRI-based quantification of liver iron overload: a systematic review and meta-analysis.

Mohammadreza Elhaie, Abolfazl Koozari, Qurain Turki Alshammari

Abstract readSystematic ReviewMeta-Analysis
PubMed Publisher
In one paragraph

Synthesis in Radiologie (Heidelberg, Germany), 2025. The graph could read no effect estimate from its abstract, so it casts no vote on the map. Cited by 1 paper.

0numbers the graph read from it
0cells of the map it votes in
1citing papers in PubMed
–field-weighted citation impact
1 · What the graph read from it

What it found

Each row is one number read from the abstract, on the scale the paper reported it, with its interval. Left of the dashed line favours the treatment, right favours the comparator. Under each row is the sentence it came from. New to these charts? A ten-minute tutorial.

The abstract states no effect estimate the extractor could read, or names no intervention and outcome on the map, so this paper lights no cell and moves no belief. It is still indexed, cited and linked below.

2 · The registry

The trial behind it

Trials whose registry record cites this paper, or whose number appears in the abstract. A trial that started after this paper was published is citing it as background, not reporting it.

Neither the registry nor the abstract names a trial number. If this is a trial report, that itself is worth knowing.

3 · Its place in the literature

Who cites it

1 citing paper in PubMed.

  1. Article
4 · The record

Corrections and comments

PubMed lists nothing against this paper. Absence here is not a guarantee, only a check that was made.

5 · Who and what money

Authors and funding

3 authors.

Mohammadreza ElhaieDepartment of Medical Physics, School of Medicine, Isfahan University of Medical Sciences, Isfahan, Iran. mrelhaie@gmail.com.
Abolfazl KoozariDepartment of Medical Physics, School of Medicine, Ahvaz Jundishapur University of Medical Sciences, Ahvaz, Iran.
Qurain Turki AlshammariDean, College of Applied Medical Sciences, Cardiovascular Magnetic Resonance Imaging, University of Hail, Hai'l, Saudi Arabia.

Funding

No grant is acknowledged in the PubMed record.

6 · The paper itself

Abstract

backgroundLiver iron overload, associated with conditions such as hereditary hemochromatosis and β‑thalassemia major, requires accurate quantification of liver iron concentration (LIC) to guide timely interventions and prevent complications. Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) is the gold standard for noninvasive LIC assessment, but challenges in protocol variability and diagnostic consistency persist. Machine learning (ML) and deep learning (DL) offer potential to enhance MRI-based LIC quantification, yet their efficacy remains underexplored.

objectiveThis systematic review and meta-analysis evaluates the diagnostic accuracy, algorithmic performance, and clinical applicability of ML and DL techniques for MRI-based LIC quantification in liver iron overload, adhering to PRISMA guidelines.

methodsA comprehensive search across PubMed, Embase, Scopus, Web of Science, Cochrane Library, and IEEE Xplore identified studies applying ML/DL to MRI-based LIC quantification. Eligible studies were assessed for diagnostic accuracy (sensitivity, specificity, AUC), LIC quantification precision (correlation, mean absolute error), and clinical applicability (automation, processing time). Methodological quality was evaluated using the QUADAS‑2 tool, with qualitative synthesis and meta-analysis where feasible.

resultsEight studies were included, employing algorithms such as convolutional neural networks (CNNs), radiomics, and fuzzy C‑mean clustering on T2*-weighted and multiparametric MRI. Pooled diagnostic accuracy from three studies showed a sensitivity of 0.79 (95% CI: 0.66-0.88) and specificity of 0.77 (95% CI: 0.64-0.86), with an AUC of 0.84. The DL methods demonstrated high precision (e.g., Pearson's r = 0.999) and automation, reducing processing times to as low as 0.1 s/slice. Limitations included heterogeneity, limited generalizability, and small external validation sets.

conclusionBoth ML and DL enhance MRI-based LIC quantification, offering high accuracy and efficiency. Standardized protocols and multicenter validation are needed to ensure clinical scalability and equitable access.

Indexed as

Deep LearningIron OverloadLiverMachine LearningMagnetic Resonance ImagingHumansSensitivity and SpecificityDeep learningHemochromatosisIron overloadLiverMachine learningMagnetic resonance imaging

Identifiers

What Socratic holds

Textmetadata
Read underepoch 390

Registered trials

None linked

Read under generation 80e0d062 · epoch 390. Bibliography from PubMed, PubMed Central and OpenAlex; grants from NIH RePORTER; trial links from ClinicalTrials.gov; estimates, votes and beliefs from the Socratic graph.