Digital Analytical Platform for Probabilistic Assessment of 3D Visual and 3D Ultrastructural Status of Urinary System Organs (Pilot Study)

Background: Inflammatory diseases of the urinary system remain a significant clinical challenge in urology. Current diagnostic methods are limited in their ability to provide qualitatively and quantitatively assessment of morphological and functional changes at the molecular and ultrastructural levels. The development of comprehensive digital tools is necessary to improve the diagnosis and monitoring of inflammatory processes.

Objective: To develop a digital analytical platform for retrospective assessment of the probable 3D-visual and 3D-ultrastructural state of the urinary system organs based on whole-body PET/CT data in patients with inflammatory diseases of the kidneys and urinary bladder.

Materials and methods: This pilot study included 8 patients divided into two groups: those with inflammatory kidney diseases and those with inflammatory diseases of the urinary bladder. Data from PET/CT scans acquired using 18F-FDG and 11C-choline tracers were utilized, along with 3D anatomical reconstruction and 3D ultrastructural analysis employing scanning electron microscopy. The results were correlated with clinical and morphological parameters.

Results: An association was identified between the standardized uptake value (SUVmax) of radiopharmaceuticals and 3D anatomical and 3D ultrastructural changes in the kidneys and urinary bladder wall, reflecting bacterial inflammation activity. Clinical navigation schemes were developed, enabling physicians without specialized training to assess the probable condition of urinary system organs using digital PET/CT parameters.

Conclusion: The developed digital analytical platform enables the integration of functional PET/CT imaging with 3D ultrastructural analysis, enhancing diagnosis and personalization of treatment for inflammatory diseases of the urinary system.

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