Journal of Shanghai Jiao Tong University (Medical Science) ›› 2022, Vol. 42 ›› Issue (5): 653-659.doi: 10.3969/j.issn.1674-8115.2022.05.014

• Techniques and methods • Previous Articles     Next Articles

Development of endoscopic image classification models of Barrett's esophagus based on deep convolutional neural networks

LIN Jiaxi1,2(), WANG Shengjia3, ZHAO Xin3, GAO Xin1,2, YIN Minyue1,2, ZHU Jinzhou1,2()   

  1. 1.Department of Gastroenterology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Soochow University, Suzhou 215006, China
    2.Suzhou Clinical Center of Digestive Disease, Jiangsu Province, Suzhou 215006, China
    3.Department of General Surgery, The First Affiliated Hospital of Soochow University, Suzhou 215006, China
  • Received:2022-01-07 Accepted:2022-03-25 Online:2022-05-28 Published:2022-05-07
  • Contact: ZHU Jinzhou E-mail:jxlin@stu.suda.edu.cn;jzzhu@zju.edu.cn
  • Supported by:
    National Natural Science Foundation of China(82000540);Youth Program of Suzhou Health Committee(KJXW2019001)

Abstract: Objective

·To develop classification models for endoscopic images of Barrett's esophagus using deep convolutional neural network, and evaluate its classification performance.

Methods

·A total of 806 esophageal images were collected from Gastrointestinal Endoscopy Center of the First Affiliated Hospital of Soochow University and the HyperKvasir database, including 412 normal esophageal images and 394 Barrett's esophagus images. All the images were randomly divided into training set (85%) and validation set (15%). Four deep convolutional neural networks [Xception, NASNet Large (NASNetL), ResNet50V2 (ResNet) and BigTransfer (BiT)], which had been pre-trained in the ImageNet database, were used to perform transfer learning in the training set and develop endoscopic image classification models of Barrett's esophagus, respectively. The gradient-weighted class activation mapping (Grad-CAM) was used to visually interpret the classification results of the four models. In the validation set, the models' classification abilities were evaluated. Besides, to further evaluate the classification abilities of the models, the classification results of the validation set by senior and junior physicians were compared with the models'.

Results

·The 4 endoscopic image classification models of Barrett's esophagus based on deep convolutional neural networks were successfully developed. The visual interpretation of the models' classification results was presented in the form of a heat map by using Grad-CAM. In the validation set, all models presented high classification accuracy (average accuracy = 0.852) and high classification precision (average precision = 0.846). Compared with the other three models, the NASNetL model had the highest classification accuracy (0.873) and the highest classification precision (0.867), and was the best model. The NASNetL model showed similar classification ability to the senior physician. Its classification accuracy was slightly lower than that of senior physician (0.881), and higher than that of junior physician (0.855). Meanwhile, it had good classification consistency with both senior physician (Kappa=0.712, P=0.000) and junior physician (Kappa=0.695, P=0.000).

Conclusion

·The endoscopic image classification models of Barrett's esophagus, developed by deep convolutional neural networks transfer learning, show good classification ability.

Key words: Barrett's esophagus, deep learning, transfer learning, gastrointestinal endoscopy, convolutional neural network

CLC Number: