AI-assisted Assessment of Ankylosing Spondylitis: Taichung Veterans General Hospital

Ankylosing spondylitis (AS) is a chronic rheumatic disease causing inflammation and ankylosis of the spine, limiting movement and quality of life. Disease assessment includes disease activity, measured by Ankylosing Spondylitis Disease Activity Score (ASDAS), and chronic spinal damage, estimated by modified stoke ankylosing spondylitis spinal score (mSASSS) using radiographic images of cervical spine and lumbar spine. ASDAS predicts future spinal adhesions, making it a crucial treatment target. Taichung Veterans General Hospital (TCVGH) has developed a patented electronic medical record management system which integrates patient reported outcomes assessed by smartphone using the TCVGH-developed app and laboratory tests to automatically calculate ASDAS. We also used deep learning to develop an AI-assisted scoring of mSASSS. This technology enables a convenient and quick mSASSS scoring, enhancing patient tracking and treatment planning.