A Knowledge Based Framework for Case-specific Diagnosis

Abstract

We present a framework whereby the expert knowledge of a domain is represented as a description logic knowledge base. Based on this framework, we present an approach that uses a knowledge based system for diagnosis that allows users to key in findings for a case, and obtain the corresponding differential diagnosis for a case. The framework also prompts hypothetical findings that can effectively guide the user towards a targeted diagnosis. The framework allows iterative and interactive updates of the case specific knowledge. Computing the differential diagnosis and hypotheses can be formulated directly as conjunctive queries on the original knowledge base using the case specific knowledge. We illustrate the applicability of our framework in the context of medical diagnosis, although the approach is equally applicable in a broad range of diagnosis problems such as network forensics and criminal investigation.