In Moscow, a newly launched AI algorithm for osteoporosis detection can now identify signs of the disease even in its early stages. The algorithm enables the automatic analysis and detection of osteoporotic pathological signs within computed tomography (CT) scans that were originally performed for other clinical indications. The innovation was announced by Anastasia Rakova, Deputy Mayor of Moscow for Social Development.
Of the initiative, Deputy Mayor stated: “We are systematically integrating artificial intelligence into standard medical workflows, including the analysis of imaging studies for various conditions. This approach to additional screening for pathologies allows us to prevent problems early, rather than dealing with the consequences. We recently implemented automatic osteoporosis screening in CT scans. AI algorithm detects the disease in its early stages, when a person isn’t even aware of the problem, while it’s developing asymptomatically. This eliminates the need for a separate, targeted examination, reduces radiation exposure, minimizes the likelihood of missing pathologies in the early stages, and also allows for earlier treatment and a lower risk of severe fractures,’ explained Anastasia Rakova.
The AI-powered service performs an automated analysis of CT scans, detecting indicators of osteoporosis. To aid clinical review, all potentially compromised areas of bone tissue are distinctly marked within the images using a color-coded overlay in red and orange.
“Osteoporosis is a metabolic bone disease (MBD) characterized by decreased bone mass and reduced bone density. Its danger lies its typically asymptomatic progression until serious complications and injuries occur. These services work with existing studies and help detect important changes in bone tissue. A neural network highlights abnormal areas in the medical image, takes the necessary measurements, and also generates report. Complex AI services can simultaneously detect up to 14 pathologies in a single image. This approach will allow Moscow citizens undergoing examinations for various clinical indications to receive additional ‘insurance’ against one of the most subtle and dangerous age-related diseases,” emphasized Yuri Vasiliev, Medical Director of the Center for Diagnostics and Telemedicine.
For example, the AI assists physicians by enabling the detection of pathologies in their early stages and improving the accuracy of imaging measurements. It is important to note that a radiologist always provides the final diagnosis, based on a comprehensive analysis and interpretation of the studies.
Within Moscow’s healthcare system, doctors now have access to over 60 AI services capable of detecting signs of disease across 43 modalities. The system also incorporates 12 complex solutions designed to identify multiple pathologies simultaneously within a single medical image. To date, these AI services have processed nearly two million CT scans.
An experiment using innovative computer vision technologies within healthcare was launched in 2020. As part of this project, Moscow is developing systems to support clinical decision-making based on analysis results. This work is being carried out by specialists from the Center for Diagnostics and Telemedicine of the Moscow Health Department, in collaboration with the Department of Information Technology. The project is in line with the goals of the Moscow Healthcare Development Strategy through 2030 and aims to improve the quality and accessibility of medical care for Moscow residents.
