2D and 3D Deep Learning Models for MRI-based Parkinson's Disease Classification: A Comparative Analysis of Convolutional Kolmogorov-Arnold Networks, Convolutional Neural Networks, and Graph Convolutional Networks

TL;DR

This study compares 2D and 3D deep learning models, including the novel ConvKAN, for Parkinson's Disease classification using MRI, demonstrating ConvKAN's superior performance and generalization in certain scenarios.

Contribution

Introduces the first 3D implementation of ConvKAN for medical imaging and compares its performance to CNNs and GCNs in PD classification.

Findings

2D ConvKAN achieved highest AUC of 0.99 on PPMI dataset.

3D ConvKAN outperformed other models in cross-dataset generalization.

3D analysis captures subtle brain changes more effectively.

Abstract

Parkinson's Disease (PD) diagnosis remains challenging. This study applies Convolutional Kolmogorov-Arnold Networks (ConvKANs), integrating learnable spline-based activation functions into convolutional layers, for PD classification using structural MRI. The first 3D implementation of ConvKANs for medical imaging is presented, comparing their performance to Convolutional Neural Networks (CNNs) and Graph Convolutional Networks (GCNs) across three open-source datasets. Isolated analyses assessed performance within individual datasets, using cross-validation techniques. Holdout analyses evaluated cross-dataset generalizability by training models on two datasets and testing on the third, mirroring real-world clinical scenarios. In isolated analyses, 2D ConvKANs achieved the highest AUC of 0.99 (95% CI: 0.98-0.99) on the PPMI dataset, outperforming 2D CNNs (AUC: 0.97, p = 0.0092). 3D models showed promise, with 3D CNN and 3D ConvKAN reaching an AUC of 0.85 on PPMI. In holdout analyses, 3D ConvKAN demonstrated superior generalization, achieving an AUC of 0.85 on early-stage PD data. GCNs underperformed in 2D but improved in 3D implementations. These findings highlight ConvKANs' potential for PD detection, emphasize the importance of 3D analysis in capturing subtle brain changes, and underscore cross-dataset generalization challenges. This study advances AI-assisted PD diagnosis using structural MRI and emphasizes the need for larger-scale validation.