Plain language summary

Integrating artificial intelligence (AI) into histologic disease assessment is transforming the management of inflammatory bowel disease (IBD). AI-aided histology enables precise, objective evaluations of disease activity by analysing whole-slide images, facilitating accurate predictions of histologic remission (HR) in ulcerative colitis and Crohn’s disease. Additionally, AI shows promise in predicting adverse outcomes and therapeutic responses, making it a promising tool for clinical practice and clinical trials. By leveraging advanced algorithms, AI enhances diagnostic accuracy, reduces assessment variability and streamlines histological workflows in clinical settings. In clinical trials, AI aids in assessing histological endpoints, enabling real-time analysis, standardising evaluations and supporting adaptive trial designs. Recent advancements are further refining AI-aided digital pathology in IBD. New developments in multimodal AI models integrating clinical, endoscopic, histologic and molecular data pave the way for a comprehensive approach to precision medicine in IBD. Automated assessment of intestinal barrier healing – a deeper level of healing beyond endoscopic and HR – shows promise for improved outcome prediction and patient management. Preliminary evidence also suggests that AI applied to colitis-associated neoplasia can aid in the detection, characterisation and molecular profiling of lesions, holding potential for enhanced dysplasia management and organ-sparing approaches. Although challenges remain in standardisation, validation through randomised controlled trials and ethical considerations. AI is poised to revolutionise IBD management by advancing towards a more personalised and efficient care model, while the path to full clinical implementation may be lengthy. However, the transformative impact of AI on IBD care is already shining through.

Enhancing IBD tissue analysis through artificial intelligence

Artificial intelligence (AI) is significantly advancing in treating inflammatory bowel disease (IBD). By analysing tissue samples, AI can accurately assess disease activity and predict outcomes, helping physicians personalise treatment plans and improve patient care in clinical practice. In clinical research, AI enhances trials by quickly analysing tissue samples and potentially identifying patients likely to respond to treatments. As AI develops, its potential to integrate various data sources promises a future where IBD treatment is more precise, efficient, and personalised.

Infographic: AI-aided pathology in IBD. This infographic provides a schematic overview of the capabilities of AI applied to histology in IBD. It highlights AI’s potential for disease assessment, predictions of outcomes and responses to therapy, integration and harmonisation of multimodal data, automated evaluation of barrier healing and detection and characterisation of IBD-related lesions. In the lower section, the infographic summarises the transformative impact of AI on clinical trials and routine clinical practice, showcasing its potential to revolutionise IBD management.

Source: Created with ‘Biorender.com’.

AI, artificial intelligence; IBD, inflammatory bowel disease.

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Rediscovering histology – the application of artificial intelligence in inflammatory bowel disease histologic assessment