Independent Validation of a Deep Learning nnU-Net Tool for Neuroblastoma Detection and Segmentation in MR Images

Tumor segmentation is crucial in oncologic imaging processing. Using a large, diverse dataset, we validated a fully automatic deep learning nnU-Net-based model for detecting and segmenting neuroblastic tumors on MR images in a substantial children cohort. 

We utilized an international multicenter, multivendor imaging repository of 300 children with neuroblastic tumors, encompassing 535 MR T2-weighted sequences. The automatic segmentation, part of the PRIMAGE project, was validated against manual editing by an expert radiologist, recording the time needed for manual adjustments and comparing overlaps and spatial metrics. 

The median Dice similarity coefficient (DSC) was high at 0.997; 0.944–1.000 (median; Q1–Q3), with 6% of MR sequences unidentifiable by the net. No significant variations were observed in net performance post-chemotherapy or concerning MR magnetic field, sequence type, or tumor location. Visual inspection time averaged 7.9 ± 7.5 seconds, while manual editing, when needed (136 masks), took 124 ± 120 seconds. 

The automatic CNN accurately located and segmented the primary tumor in 94% of cases with high concordance to manually edited masks, marking the first validation of such model for neuroblastic tumor identification and segmentation with body MR images. The semi-automatic approach, necessitating minor manual editing, bolstered radiologist confidence while reducing workload. 

https://www.mdpi.com/2072-6694/15/5/1622