RSNA 2019 Sees Possibilities in AI

OAK BROOK, Ill. (Jan. 14, 2020) — The Radiological Society of North America’s 105^th Scientific Assembly and Annual Meeting (RSNA 2019), held in Chicago’s McCormick Place from December 1 to 6, highlighted RSNA’s ongoing commitment to being a leader in artificial intelligence (AI) research and education in radiology. The meeting’s theme was “See Possibilities Together.”

Advances in machine learning and AI offer a variety of applications that are now being employed in medical imaging with exciting results. RSNA 2019 provided an expansive selection of AI sessions and education exhibits, an AI Learning Community, as well as the AI Showcase and Theater. The showcase allowed attendees to participate in hands-on workshops, connect with companies to see the latest in machine learning and artificial intelligence products, and learn more about how to implement these groundbreaking applications in their practices.

“RSNA recognizes the importance of artificial intelligence to the future of radiology research and practice, so we offered our attendees an abundance of AI sessions, posters and education exhibits,” said RSNA Executive Director Mark G. Watson. “We also expanded our AI Showcase and Theater to include even more innovative products, solutions and presentations from leaders in the field.”

The showcase also hosted a recognition session for the awardees of RSNA Intracranial Hemorrhage Detection and Classification Challenge. The AI competition required teams to develop algorithms to identify and classify subtypes of hemorrhages on head CT scans. The data set, comprising more than 25,000 head CT scans, was the first multiplanar dataset used in an RSNA AI Challenge.

The RSNA AI Deep Learning Lab, with four different courses designed by RSNA members, provided attendees opportunities to get hands-on experience building deep learning systems and a better understanding of the relevance of AI.

RSNA 2019 featured numerous other hot topics in radiology, such as advanced visualization and 3D printing for medical applications. The 3D Printing and Advanced Visualization Showcase highlighted the latest products in 3D printing equipment and software, as well as advanced visualization products like augmented reality, holography and virtual reality platforms.

The Innovation Theater featured exhibitor presentations of new products and advances in medical imaging, and the new Radiation Safety Zone showcased the latest products and services developed to create a culture of radiation safety.

Special sessions and presentations throughout the week addressed important topics ranging from radiology’s role in diagnosing e-cigarette/vaping product-associated lung injury (EVALI) to promoting diversity and gender inclusion in the field.

Professional attendees could choose from a vast array of scientific presentations and posters, education courses and exhibits, and plenary sessions. The Discovery Theater hosted a variety of engaging programs, including educational presentations, career advice, tutorials on navigating Chicago, performances by local musicians, and an RSNA Diagnosis Live™ competition among residency programs with University of Pittsburgh taking the trophy.

The technical exhibition was 450,400 square feet and consisted of 735 exhibitors, including 155 first-time exhibitors. The First-Time Exhibitor Pavilion provided a centralized location for attendees to discover exhibitors new to the RSNA annual meeting, while the Start-up Showcase featured emerging companies positioned to bring new products and services to market.

The Virtual Meeting offered access to more than 400 live-streamed and on-demand courses from RSNA 2019, as well as plenary sessions and other meeting content. The virtual meeting attracted 6,754 registrants. On-demand access to the Virtual Meeting is available through April 2020.

Official registration for RSNA 2019 totaled 51,800. RSNA 2019’s economic impact to the City of Chicago is estimated at $130 million.