A novel clinical-radiomic nomogram for the crescent status in IgA nephropathy

ObjectiveWe used machine-learning (ML) models based on ultrasound radiomics to construct a nomogram for noninvasive evaluation of the crescent status in immunoglobulin A (IgA) nephropathy. MethodsPatients with IgA nephropathy diagnosed by renal biopsy (n=567) were divided into training (n=398) and test cohorts (n=169). Ultrasound radiomic features were extracted from ultrasound images. After selecting the most significant features using univariate analysis and the least absolute shrinkage and selection operator algorithm, three ML algorithms were assessed for final radiomic model establishment. Next, clinical, ultrasound radiomic, and combined clinical-radiomic models were compared for their ability to detect IgA crescents. The diagnostic performance of the three models was evaluated using receiver operating characteristic curve analysis. ResultsThe average area under the curve (AUC) of the three ML radiomic models was 0.762. The logistic regression model performed best, with AUC values in the training and test cohorts of 0.838 and 0.81, respectively. Among the final models, the combined model based on clinical characteristics and the Rad score showed good discrimination, with AUC values in the training and test cohorts of 0.883 and 0.862, respectively. The decision curve analysis verified the clinical practicability of the combined nomogram. ConclusionML classifier based on ultrasound radiomics has a potential value for noninvasive diagnosis of IgA nephropathy with or without crescents. The nomogram constructed by combining ultrasound radiomic and clinical features can provide clinicians with more comprehensive and personalized image information, which is of great significance for selecting treatment strategies.

Automated summary

A machine-learning model based on ultrasound radiomics was used to construct a nomogram for noninvasive evaluation of crescent status in IgA nephropathy. The combined model using clinical characteristics and the Rad score showed good discrimination in practical applications.