Interpretable hybrid deep learning features of pectoralis on low-dose chest CT for detecting type 2 diabetes.

OBJECTIVE

To develop an explainable hybrid deep learning features framework using low-dose chest CT (LDCT)-derived pectoralis features for opportunistic type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) opportunistic screening, evaluating its incremental value over conventional biomarkers.

METHODS

This multi-center study analyzed LDCT images from 1,209 individuals. Following automated MedSAM segmentation, conventional metrics (e.g., Mean_HU, SMI) and deep learning (DL) features (ResNet152) were extracted. To prevent data leakage, PCA, LASSO selection, and ExtraTrees model optimization were strictly confined to the training set. A hybrid (COM) model integrating both feature types was compared against a baseline Muscle model. SHapley Additive exPlanations (SHAP) provided clinical interpretability.

RESULTS

The COM model achieved an area under the curve (AUC) of 0.830 (training), 0.759 (internal validation), and 0.746 (external validation). While performing comparably to the DL model without significant difference across validation cohorts (DeLong p > 0.05), it significantly outperformed the baseline Muscle model (external AUC: 0.515; DeLong test, p < 0.001). SHAP analysis confirmed that lower Mean_HU correlated with higher T2DM risk, while DL signatures provided robust, independent diagnostic value.

CONCLUSION

This explainable hybrid model and DL model capture sub-visual pectoralis alterations, offering significant incremental diagnostic value over simple clinical and imaging metrics. They serves as an efficient, non-invasive tool for opportunistic T2DM screening during routine LDCT.