Work

AI-assisted fibrosis scoring in MASH: Exploring pathologist decision-making with an SHG-based AI digital pathology tool

Year: 2026

Type: article

Abstract: BACKGROUND & AIMS: Intra- and inter-reader variability complicates liver biopsy scoring for metabolic dysfunction-associated steatohepatitis (MASH). AI-powered digital pathology (AI-DP) is emerging as a tool to assist pathologists, with the promise of improving pathologist concordance. This study evaluates how second harmonic generation (SHG)-based AI-DP influences pathologist decision-making for fibrosis scoring and provides guidance for integrating SHG-based AI assistance into pathology workflows. METHODS: Four pathologists reviewed 120 MASH cases with and without the assistance tool. We assessed changes in concordance, scoring, and pathologist perceptions via surveys and detailed case reviews. A qualitative analysis was performed on 22 selected cases (18% of all MASH cases reviewed), including cases with reduced or increased inter-pathologist variability and pathologist-AI discrepancies. RESULTS: Pathologists reported the assistance tool as significantly helpful in 57% of cases, prompted conscious score changes in a further 12%, and not useful in 30%. Notably, score shifts between cases with and without assistance occurred even when the assistance tool was deemed unhelpful, indicating a subtle influence on scoring. The assistance tool reduced discrepancies in 65% (33/51) of previously discrepant cases, but increased discrepancies in 27% (15/66 with 1-score discrepancy and 3/66 with >1-score discrepancy) of cases initially without discrepancies. This reflects inherent pathologist variability and differing thresholds and confidence in challenging or borderline cases. Analysis of concordance changes with the assistance tool provided insights into pathologists' fibrosis staging considerations. CONCLUSION: SHG-based AI-DP tools are promising adjuncts for fibrosis scoring in MASH. Our findings provide practical insights and recommendations for effective AI integration and highlight areas for future AI development. Collaborative human-AI approaches will be key to advancing precision histopathology and improving clinical trial outcomes in MASH. IMPACT AND IMPLICATIONS: AI-powered digital pathology (AI-DP) as a pathologist's assistance tool can be utilized to improve pathologist concordance. However, pathologist judgement remains critical. In this study, we evaluated how pathologists used the assistance tool and how the platform impacted their decision-making. The findings are significant for pathologists and clinical researchers as they provide guidance for the well-informed use of SHG-based AI-DP as a tool to aid pathologists in fibrosis scoring in metabolic dysfunction-associated steatohepatitis. The insights gained can further inform policymakers about the integration of AI technologies in clinical trials or pathology workflows in clinical practice, promoting standardized practices.

Source: JHEP Reports

DOI: 10.1016/j.jhepr.2026.101752