Researchers at Kobe University have developed an AI model that can detect acromegaly – a rare hormonal disorder – by analyzing photographs of the back of the hand and a clenched fist.[1] Acromegaly is a disease caused by an overproduction of growth hormone that causes enlargement of the hands, feet, and changes in the face, and if left untreated, can reduce life expectancy by about 10 years.[1] The research team chose to focus on hands instead of faces to address privacy concerns, as most existing AI systems rely on facial photographs.[1] They used more than 11,000 photographs from 725 patients from 15 medical facilities in Japan to develop and validate the model.[1] The AI model achieved very high sensitivity and specificity and outperformed even experienced endocrinologists in evaluating the same photographs.[1] This approach is more practical for disease screening because it does not require analysis of facial features and can help create more efficient patient referral systems and reduce health disparities in the community.[1]