Scientists at the University of Cambridge have developed an advanced artificial intelligence (AI) tool capable of diagnosing coeliac disease with the same level of accuracy as a trained pathologist but in a fraction of the time. This breakthrough could significantly speed up diagnosis, allowing patients to receive treatment sooner while also reducing pressure on the National Health Service (NHS).

The AI model analyses biopsy images in under a minute. In contrast, a human pathologist typically requires five to ten minutes to assess the same sample. The ability to process cases faster means that patients could avoid the long diagnostic delays often associated with this autoimmune condition.

A Faster and More Reliable Diagnostic Tool

Coeliac disease is a serious autoimmune disorder caused by an adverse reaction to gluten, a protein found in wheat, barley, and rye. It affects nearly 700,000 people in the United Kingdom, though many remain undiagnosed. Symptoms include stomach pain, diarrhoea, fatigue, skin rashes, and anaemia. Without proper treatment, the condition can lead to long-term complications such as osteoporosis, infertility, and even certain types of cancer.

Currently, the diagnostic process for coeliac disease begins with a blood test. If the results suggest the presence of the disease, doctors then perform a duodenal biopsy to examine the small intestine for damage. Pathologists analyse these biopsy samples, but due to the high workload in hospital laboratories, delays in diagnosis are common. More critical cases, such as potential cancers, are often given priority, causing long waiting times for coeliac patients.

The AI tool developed by Cambridge researchers was trained using over 4,000 biopsy images from five hospitals, covering samples scanned with equipment from four different manufacturers. The study, published in The New England Journal of Medicine AI, confirmed that the algorithm could diagnose coeliac disease just as accurately as human pathologists but in a matter of seconds after scanning.

A Solution to Long Waiting Times

Experts believe that AI-assisted diagnosis could greatly reduce delays in healthcare, helping patients receive treatment faster.

Professor Elizabeth Soilleux, a senior author of the study, pointed out that long wait times for coeliac diagnosis are common due to strained healthcare systems. She believes this AI model could ease that burden and ensure quicker access to necessary medical care.

Dr Florian Jaeckle, another researcher involved in the study, highlighted that with AI, patients could receive a diagnosis within minutes instead of waiting for weeks or months. Faster diagnosis means earlier dietary changes, which can prevent complications and improve overall quality of life for those with coeliac disease.

Challenges in Implementing AI in Healthcare

While AI technology offers promising solutions, experts caution that full implementation in public healthcare systems like the NHS will require investment in digital infrastructure.

Dr Bernie Croal, president of the Royal College of Pathologists, acknowledged the potential of this new AI tool to transform coeliac diagnosis. However, he emphasized that hospitals need integrated IT systems, staff training, and clear guidelines before AI-assisted diagnostics can become a standard practice.

Healthcare professionals must also ensure that AI results are monitored and validated by human experts to maintain accuracy and patient safety. AI is designed to assist doctors, not replace them, and its ethical use in medicine must be carefully considered.

The Future of AI in Disease Detection

AI-powered diagnostic tools are already being tested for other medical conditions, including cancer detection and cardiovascular diseases. By reducing the workload of human pathologists, AI can help healthcare systems manage rising patient demands while ensuring accurate and timely diagnoses.

In the future, AI models could be expanded to identify multiple diseases from a single biopsy scan, further improving efficiency in hospital laboratories. Scientists also hope to develop AI tools that can assist with remote diagnosis, bringing better healthcare to underserved areas.

With the right investments and policies, AI could become a powerful tool in diagnosing not only coeliac disease but also many other conditions, leading to faster treatment, improved patient outcomes, and a more efficient healthcare system.