Combined application of deep learning and conventional computer vision for kidney ultrasound image classification in chronic kidney disease: preliminary study.

Purpose: This study evaluates the feasibility of combining deep learning (DL) and conventional computer vision techniques to classify kidney ultrasound (US) images for the presence or absence of chronic kidney disease (CKD).

Methods: A retrospective analysis was conducted on 258 kidneys (124 normal and 134 with CKD). A DL model was trained using midsagittal US images of the right kidney and corresponding contour maps to automate measurements of parenchymal thickness and parenchyma-to-sinus ratios. These features were integrated with a convolutional neural network for classification. The ground truth was determined based on clinical CKD diagnosis and laboratory data.

Results: The combined DL and conventional feature extraction model achieved an accuracy of 82%, with a specificity of 93% and a negative predictive value of 97%. This approach outperformed models that relied solely on raw US images using DL, which achieved an accuracy of 64%. The inclusion of contour-based parenchymal measurements enhanced classification performance.

Conclusion: The integration of DL with automated feature extraction enables accurate classification of CKD using minimal user input. This proof-of-concept study highlights the potential of combining artificial intelligence-driven analysis with traditional metrics to serve as a noninvasive adjunct for CKD diagnosis and monitoring.