Abstract The advances in large language models (LLMs) have demonstrated sophisticated potential for automating complex tasks within the radiology workflow. From radiology report generation and report summarization to data collection for research trials, these models have proven to be powerful tools. However, optimal implementation of these models requires careful adaptation to the specialized medical domain. In addition, these models tend to generate information that is not truthful or factual, which can adversely affect patient care and clinical decisions. Strategies such as fine-tuning and prompt optimization have been shown to be impactful in eliminating these errors. Although these models undergo rapid updates and improvements, understanding the principles of prompt engineering and fine-tuning provides a foundation for evaluating and maintaining the performance of any LLM deployment. The current article aims to review the recent advancements in radiology using fine-tuning and prompt optimization to leverage LLMs’ capabilities. It delves into various techniques within each strategy, their advantages and limitations, and presents a framework to facilitate the practical integration of LLMs into radiology settings.
Recent Advances in Compact Portable Platforms and Gradient Hardware for Brain MRI
Recent advancements in compact MRI scanners, portable low-field-strength MRI systems, and high-performance gradient inserts address the challenges of conventional MRI for brain imaging, providing more accessible and versatile technology.
Behavioral Monitoring in Transient Ischemic Attack and Stroke Patients: Exploratory Micro- and Macrostructural Imaging Insights for Identifying Post-Stroke Depression with Accelerometers in UK Biobank
To examine the association between post-stroke depression (PSD) and macrostructural and microstructural brain measures, and to explore whether changes in accelerometer-measured physical activity (PA) are associated with PSD, we conducted an exploratory study in UK Biobank with dementia-free participants diagnosed with at least one prior stroke. Eligible participants (n = 1186) completed an MRI scan. Depression was classified based on positive depression screening scores (PHQ-2 ≥ 3). Multivariate linear regression models assessed the relationships between depression and structural and diffusion measures generated from brain MRI scans. Logistic regression models were used to examine the relationship between accelerometer-measured daily PA and future depression (n = 367). Depression was positively associated with total white matter hyperintensities (WMHs) volume (standardized β [95% CI]—0.1339 [0.012, 0.256]; FDR-adjusted p-value—0.039), periventricular WMHs volume (standardized β [95% CI]—0.1351 [0.020, 0.250]; FDR-adjusted p-value—0.027), and reduced MD for commissural fibers (standardized β [95% CI]—−0.139 [−0.255, −0.024]; adjusted p-value—0.045). The odds of depression decreased by 0.3% for each daily minute spent in objectively measured light PA, while each minute spent in sleep from midnight to 6:00 AM was associated with a 0.9% decrease in the odds of depression. This early-stage analysis using a population cohort offers a scientific rationale for researchers using multimodal data sources to investigate the heterogenous nature of PSD and, potentially, identify stroke patients at risk of poor outcomes.
Feasibility of Observing Cerebrovascular Disease Phenotypes with Smartphone Monitoring: Study Design Considerations for Real-World Studies
Accelerated by the adoption of remote monitoring during the COVID-19 pandemic, interest in using digitally captured behavioral data to predict patient outcomes has grown; however, it is unclear how feasible digital phenotyping studies may be in patients with recent ischemic stroke or transient ischemic attack. In this perspective, we present participant feedback and relevant smartphone data metrics suggesting that digital phenotyping of post-stroke depression is feasible. Additionally, we proffer thoughtful considerations for designing feasible real-world study protocols tracking cerebrovascular dysfunction with smartphone sensors.
Accelerometer‐Measured Behavior Patterns in Incident Cerebrovascular Disease: Insights for Preventative Monitoring From the UK Biobank
Background The goal was to compare patterns of physical activity (PA) behaviors (sedentary behavior [SB], light PA, moderate‐to‐vigorous PA [MVPA], and sleep) measured via accelerometers for 7 days between patients with incident cerebrovascular disease (CeVD) (n=2141) and controls (n=73 938). Methods and Results In multivariate models, cases spent 3.7% less time in MVPA (incidence rate ratio [IRR], 0.963 [95% CI, 0.929–0.998]) and 1.0% more time in SB (IRR, 1.010 [95% CI, 1.001–1.018]). Between 12 and 24 months before diagnosis, cases spent more time in SB (IRR, 1.028 [95% CI, 1.001–1.057]). Within the year before diagnosis, cases spent less time in MVPA (IRR, 0.861 [95% CI, 0.771–0.964]). Although SB time was not associated with CeVD risk, MVPA time, both total min/d (hazard ratio [HR], 0.998 [95% CI, 0.997–0.999]) and guideline threshold adherence (≥150 min/wk) (HR, 0.909 [95% CI, 0.827–0.998]), was associated with decreased CeVD risk. Comorbid burden had a significant partial mediation effect on the relationship between MVPA and CeVD. Cases slept more during 12:00 to 17:59 hours (IRR, 1.091 [95% CI, 1.002–1.191]) but less during 0:00 to 5:59 hours (IRR, 0.984 [95% CI, 0.977–0.992]). No between‐group differences were significant at subgroup analysis. Conclusions Daily behavior patterns were significantly different in patients before CeVD. Although SB was not associated with CeVD risk, the association between MVPA and CeVD risk is partially mediated by comorbid burden. This study has implications for understanding observable behavior patterns in cerebrovascular dysfunction and may help in developing remote monitoring strategies to prevent or reduce cerebrovascular decline.