AI-interpreted echocardiograms comparable to human reports, cardiologists' time cut by about 50%
AI-generated interpretations of echocardiograms were comparable in accuracy to preliminary interpretations prepared by ultrasound technicians (sonographers) and cardiologists. The assistance of AI preliminary interpretations also reduced the time cardiologists spent interpreting each scan by almost half. All of this is according to new, independent, preliminary late-breaking science presented…
A randomized study presented at the American Heart Association's 2026 Scientific Sessions has found that AI-generated interpretations of echocardiograms are as accurate as those prepared by sonographers and cardiologists. The AI-assisted approach also cut the time cardiologists spent interpreting each scan by nearly 50%. Echocardiograms are the most commonly used heart imaging test, providing crucial information for diagnosing heart conditions and selecting treatments.
In the trial, an AI tool, a sonographer, and a cardiologist each created preliminary reports for 1,200 echocardiograms. Cardiologists reviewed and finalized these preliminary interpretations, without knowing their origin. The AI-assisted method proved noninferior to human-assisted approaches in terms of accuracy, and cardiologists saved an average of 4.6 minutes per echocardiogram when using AI assistance.
Lead co-senior author Dr. Keane K. Lee emphasized that while AI cannot replace the human team, it can significantly improve the efficiency of cardiology practice, potentially reducing patient turnaround time and increasing access to care.
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