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Radiologists may misidentify AI images

  • By

  • Andrea Surnit

  • August 26, 2026

  • 4 min

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Clinical Report: Radiologists may misidentify AI images

Overview

A study found that radiologists correctly identified approximately 75% of AI-generated radiological images, with accuracy varying by imaging modality and subspecialty expertise.

Background

As artificial intelligence (AI) technologies advance, their integration into radiology raises concerns about the ability of radiologists to accurately identify AI-generated images. This study provides insights into the current capabilities and limitations faced by radiologists in this evolving landscape.

Data Highlights

Imaging ModalityCorrect Identification Rate
CT70%
MRI77%
Ultrasound88%
Radiographs91%

Key Findings

  • Median correct classification rate for AI-generated images was 75%.
  • Radiologists with subspecialty interest had higher accuracy (81%) compared to those without (77%).
  • CT images had the lowest median accuracy at 70%, while radiographs had the highest at 91%.
  • Confidence in classification was correlated with accuracy, varying by imaging modality.
  • Years of experience and self-reported familiarity with AI did not significantly impact classification performance.

Clinical Implications

Radiologists should be aware of the challenges in identifying AI-generated images, particularly in modalities like CT and MRI. Training and familiarity with AI technologies may enhance diagnostic accuracy, especially in subspecialty areas.

Conclusion

The study underscores the need for ongoing education and awareness among radiologists regarding the capabilities of AI in imaging, as performance varies significantly by modality and expertise.

Related Resources & Content

  1. Cronshaw RA, Williams MC, Clinical Radiology, 2026 -- Radiologists may misidentify AI images
  2. MDSpire News, 2026 -- Radiologists Tested on AI X-Rays
  3. Frontiers in Medicine, 2026 -- Image conditioning may lower AI detectability
  4. The Pathologist, 2022 -- Diagnosis: Uncert(AI)n
  5. mdspire news — Image conditioning may lower AI detectability
  6. the asco post — AI-Based Decision Support Systems for Mammography
  7. Real or not real? Can radiologists distinguish artificial intelligence generated radiological images from real ones?
  8. The Rise of Deepfake Medical Imaging: Radiologists' Diagnostic Accuracy in Detecting ChatGPT-generated Radiographs
  9. Frontiers | Detectability and healthcare implications of generative AI–synthesized chest radiographs: a blinded radiologist reader study
  10. ACR Approves First Practice Parameter for Imaging Artificial Intelligence
  11. Best Practices for the Safe Use of Large Language Models and Other Generative AI in Radiology | Radiology
  12. Joint Commission and Coalition for Health AI (CHAI) Release Initial Guidance to Support Responsible AI Adoption Across U.S. Health Systems | Joint Commission
  13. Marketing Submission Recommendations for a Predetermined Change Control Plan for Artificial Intelligence-Enabled Device Software Functions | FDA
  14. Ethics and governance of artificial intelligence for health: Guidance on large multi-modal models
  15. The Rise of Deepfake Medical Imaging: Radiologists’ Diagnostic Accuracy in Detecting ChatGPT-generated Radiographs | Radiology

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