Artificial Intelligence Echocardiography in Resource-Limited Regions: Applications and Challenges

Abstract

Artificial intelligence (AI) is revolutionizing cardiac imaging, including echocardiography. However, AI has scarce penetration in resource-limited regions. The implementation of AI-aided echocardiography (AIE) poses unique challenges and opportunities in resource-limited areas. Some obvious advantages of AIE include aiding image acquisition, interpretation, and triaging patients based on severity. The challenges AIE faces in resource-limited regions include a lack of data accessibility for model development, physician apprehension, and an outdated regulatory framework. Based on our early experience with AI, we believe AIE in resource-limited regions will enhance health equity, improve access to the technology, and lead to cost savings. However, significant efforts are needed to realize these objectives.