ObjectiveTo review the application of multimodal imaging techniques in autoimmune liver diseases (AILDs), focusing on disease diagnosis and the non-invasive assessment of inflammatory activity and liver fibrosis, and to define the value of non-invasive radiology and artificial intelligence (AI). The limitations and future directions of current research are also discussed. MethodsRelevant studies concerning multimodal imaging [ultrasound (US), computed tomography (CT), magnetic resonance imaging (MRI)/functional MRI] and AI in AILDs management were retrieved and reviewed. ResultsMultimodal imaging technologies provide critical evidence for clinical diagnosis and assessment of AILDs due to their non-invasive and dynamic advantages. Functional MRI enables precise quantification of liver fibrosis, inflammatory activity, and bile duct structural alterations, facilitating objective evaluation of disease progression. AI, with its powerful data mining and pattern recognition capabilities, offers new pathways to address challenges like subjectivity and lack of individualization in AILDs management. However, most studies are single-center with small samples, multimodal data integration remains insufficient, and the sensitivity of non-invasive imaging for early AILDs diagnosis is still limited. ConclusionsMultimodal imaging and AI can effectively address the limitations of traditional diagnostic methods, advancing the precision of AILDs diagnosis and treatment. Future efforts should focus on developing integrated analytical models that combine multidimensional data including imaging, clinical, and pathological information, to overcome early diagnosis bottlenecks and enhance the accuracy and practicality of treatment efficacy assessment and prognosis prediction.
ObjectiveTo summarize recent advances in photoacoustic imaging (PAI) for the diagnosis of limb lymphedema. MethodsRelevant domestic and international studies on PAI were reviewed to systematically summarize its imaging principles, technological development, applications in the diagnosis of limb lymphedema, and recent advances in related technologies. ResultsPAI combines the high contrast of optical imaging with the favorable tissue penetration of ultrasound. It has evolved from high-resolution microscopic imaging to large-field tomographic imaging, portable imaging, and molecularly targeted imaging, thereby establishing a technical foundation for the clinical translation of lymphatic imaging. Current studies have shown that PAI can visualize lymphatic vessels, accompanying veins, and dermal backflow, while also providing functional information to a certain extent. It therefore shows promising potential in the early diagnosis, preoperative localization, intraoperative assessment, postoperative follow-up, and staging of limb lymphedema. Furthermore, advances in related integrative and innovative technologies have further expanded the value of PAI in the diagnosis of lymphedema. ConclusionPAI provides a promising approach for precise diagnosis and perioperative management of limb lymphedema. However, large-scale prospective studies and standardized imaging protocols are required to validate its long-term clinical value.