AI-driven advances in low-dose imaging and enhancement - A review

The widespread use of medical imaging techniques such as X-rays and computed tomography (CT) has raised significant concerns regarding ionizing radiation exposure, particularly among vulnerable populations requiring frequent imaging. Achieving a balance between high-quality diagnostic imaging and minimizing radiation exposure remains a fundamental challenge in radiology. Artificial intelligence (AI) has emerged as a transformative solution, enabling low-dose imaging protocols that enhance image quality while significantly reducing radiation doses. This review explores the role of AI-assisted low-dose imaging, particularly in CT, X-ray, and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), highlighting advancements in deep learning models, convolutional neural networks (CNNs), and other AI-based approaches. These technologies have demonstrated substantial improvements in noise reduction, artifact removal, and real-time optimization of imaging parameters, thereby enhancing diagnostic accuracy while mitigating radiation risks. Additionally, AI has contributed to improved radiology workflow efficiency and cost reduction by minimizing the need for repeat scans. The review also discusses emerging directions in AI-driven medical imaging, including hybrid AI systems that integrate post-processing with real-time data acquisition, personalized imaging protocols tailored to patient characteristics, and the expansion of AI applications to fluoroscopy and positron emission tomography (PET). However, challenges such as model generalizability, regulatory constraints, ethical considerations, and computational requirements must be addressed to facilitate broader clinical adoption. AI-driven low-dose imaging has the potential to revolutionize radiology by enhancing patient safety, optimizing imaging quality, and improving healthcare efficiency, paving the way for a more advanced and sustainable future in medical imaging.