Research Appraisaldiagnostic

Segmentation of uterus and myoma from MRI image based on deep learning

Taiwanese journal of obstetrics & gynecologyLin, Da-Qian, Yeh, Lee-Ren, Chang, Yu et al.1 May 2026DOI

Clinical Snapshot

55CEBM
Evidence: Weakdiagnostic

PICO Framework

P — PopulationWomen with uterine myomas undergoing MRI imaging
I — InterventionDeep learning-based automated segmentation using DeepLabV3+ model
C — ComparatorRadiologist-labeled ground truth segmentation
O — OutcomesDice coefficients for uterus (81.55%), endometrium (73.49%), and myoma (67.34%) segmentation accuracy

Bottom Line

This study presents a deep learning model for automated segmentation of uterine structures and myomas from MRI images, achieving moderate accuracy (Dice coefficients 67-82%). While the approach shows promise for standardizing myoma classification according to FIGO criteria, the study has significant limitations including lack of traditional diagnostic accuracy metrics, missing confidence intervals, and unclear generalizability. The myoma segmentation accuracy of 67% may be insufficient for reliable clinical decision-making. Before clinical implementation, the model requires validation with larger, more diverse datasets and comparison against clinical outcomes. The technology could potentially assist radiologists in standardizing myoma assessment, but current evidence is insufficient to recommend routine clinical use.

Evidence: Weak

Key Findings

  • P Value: Not reported

  • Effect Size: Dice coefficients: Uterus 81.55%, Endometrium 73.49%, Myoma 67.34%

  • Primary Outcome: Automated segmentation accuracy using Dice coefficient

  • Nnt Or Sensitivity: Sensitivity and specificity not reported; only Dice overlap coefficients provided

  • Confidence Interval: Not reported

Clinical Application

Requires specialized MRI protocols and computational infrastructure; may be challenging in smaller centers Could complement existing radiology services; relevant for PBS-funded MRI studies for myoma assessment; aligns with RANZCOG guidelines for myoma evaluation Women with suspected or confirmed uterine myomas requiring MRI assessment

Abstract

OBJECTIVE: Myoma is a common gynecologic condition with abnormal muscular and fibrotic tissue growth in the uterus. Compared with sonography, magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) provides more detailed information with a better diagnostic accuracy. However, the interpretation of the imagery is shrewdness- and experience-dependent. The therapeutic strategy of myoma can be directly affected by the relative location and size in the uterus. Hence, this study aimed to generate an objective standardized modality in interpreting the imagery. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Deep learning (DL) was used to train two models using MRI imagery labeled by radiologists: 1) Model Uterus + Endometrium: segmentation of uterus and endometrium; 2) Model Myoma: segmentation of myoma. The myomas were classified based on their relative position in the uterus according to FIGO criteria. Each set of MRI image sequence was obtained from uterine sagittal sections with 5.5-mm interval of 30 slices per case. The dataset was divided into training, validation, and test sets. The number of images was first increased by data augmentation before implementing a DL semantic segmentation DeepLabV3+model. Cross entropy and Dice function were used for the loss and evaluation functions, respectively. RESULTS: The Dice values of uterus, endometrium and myoma segmentation reached 81.55%, 73.49% and 67.34%, respectively. Thus, the 3-D prediction of the uterine, endometrial and myomatous regions had a positive effect on determining the classification of myomas. CONCLUSION: DL can be used as a tool to improve the diagnosis and classification of uterine myoma. This model can also be applied to other gynecologic diseases.

References

  1. 1.Lin, D. Q., Yeh, L. R., Chang, Y., Chen, J. H., Yu, Y. C., Chang, C. C., Chiang, J. Y., & Huang, S. J. (2024). Segmentation of uterus and myoma from MRI image based on deep learning. Taiwanese Journal of Obstetrics & Gynecology, 63(3), 123-129. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.tjog.2024.05.030
Share:XLinkedIn

This content is for educational purposes for healthcare professionals only and does not constitute clinical advice. Clinical decisions should be based on individual patient assessment, current guidelines, and appropriate specialist consultation. Editorial Standards · Privacy Policy · Terms of Service