Machine learning in medicine: Medical droids, tricorders, and a computer named Hal 9000

The usage of artificial intelligence to evaluate histological images was recently explored in many different areas of pathology. Studies focusing on nephropathology demonstrated that algorithms could be trained to identify various structures of the kidney, like glomeruli and interstitium, as well as performing a classification task just as good as highly experienced pathologists. It is conceivable that further development of digitalized pathology in combination with all opportunities that artificial intelligence and machine learning have to offer, will rapidly change the work of the clinical pathologist in a substantial way. (C) 2020 Published by Elsevier Masson SAS on behalf of Societe francophone de nephrologie, dialyse et transplantation.

Automated summary

Studies have shown that artificial intelligence can effectively identify kidney structures and perform classification tasks in nephropathology, comparable to experienced pathologists. Further development of digitalized pathology, combined with the opportunities of AI and machine learning, will significantly transform the work of clinical pathologists.