A deep learning algorithm for coronary heart disease prediction based on retinal fundus photographs and optical coherence tomography.

BACKGROUND

Coronary heart disease (CHD) is a major cause of mortality worldwide. This study aimed to develop and validate a multimodal deep learning algorithm using retinal imaging to assist in CHD risk assessment.

METHODS

In this retrospective study, we developed a deep learning algorithm that integrates retinal fundus photographs and optical coherence tomography (OCT) images. A clinical nomogram was also developed by combining the imaging-based predictions with clinical risk factors. Model performance was evaluated on internal validation and test cohort using receiver operating characteristic (ROC) analysis and calibration curves.

RESULTS

The algorithm was developed and validated using a dataset of 505 patients, which included 282 with CHD. On the training cohort, the model achieved an area under the curve (AUC) of 0.9954 (95% CI: 0.9904-1.0000). On the independent validation and test cohorts, the model achieved AUCs of 0.9834 (95% CI: 0.9556-1.0000) and 0.9138 (95% CI: 0.8404-0.9871), respectively. The nomogram demonstrated an AUC of 0.9963 (95% CI, 0.9923-1.0000) on the training cohort, and AUCs of 0.9423 (95% CI, 0.8626-1.0000) and 0.9153 (95% CI, 0.8289-1.0000) on the internal validation and test cohort, respectively.

CONCLUSIONS

This study demonstrates the feasibility of using a deep learning algorithm based on retinal imaging for CHD risk stratification. Future prospective, multicenter studies are needed to validate these findings and evaluate their potential clinical utility.