Moscow deploys AI technology for early osteoporosis detection in routine CT scans

RUSSIA—Moscow has introduced an innovative artificial intelligence algorithm capable of detecting osteoporosis in its earliest stages, marking a significant advancement in preventive healthcare.

The AI-powered system automatically analyzes computed tomography (CT) scans that were originally performed for unrelated medical reasons, identifying osteoporotic pathological signs without requiring additional examinations.

Anastasia Rakova, Deputy Mayor of Moscow for Social Development, announced this groundbreaking initiative to the public.

Integrating AI into standard medical practice

The Deputy Mayor emphasized that Moscow is systematically incorporating artificial intelligence into routine medical workflows, particularly in the analysis of imaging studies for various conditions.

This proactive approach to screening enables healthcare providers to prevent medical problems at their inception rather than managing complications after they arise.\

The recently implemented automatic osteoporosis screening represents a prime example of this strategy in action.

Early detection saves lives

The AI algorithm identifies the disease during its initial stages, often before patients experience any symptoms or even suspect they have a problem.

This early detection capability eliminates the need for separate, targeted examinations while simultaneously reducing radiation exposure for patients.

Furthermore, the technology minimizes the likelihood of overlooking pathologies in their early stages, allowing physicians to initiate treatment sooner and significantly reducing the risk of severe fractures.

How the technology works

The AI-powered service conducts automated analyses of CT scans, systematically detecting indicators of osteoporosis throughout the imaging data.

To facilitate clinical review and decision-making, the system distinctly marks all potentially compromised areas of bone tissue within the images using a color-coded overlay displaying red and orange highlights.

This visual enhancement helps radiologists quickly identify and assess problem areas.

Understanding the disease

Yuri Vasiliev, medical director of the Center for Diagnostics and Telemedicine, explained that osteoporosis is a metabolic bone disease characterized by decreased bone mass and reduced bone density.

The condition’s primary danger stems from its typically asymptomatic progression until serious complications and injuries occur, often catching patients completely unaware.

Advanced neural network capabilities

The service leverages existing medical studies to detect critical changes in bone tissue without requiring additional procedures.

A sophisticated neural network highlights abnormal areas in medical images, performs necessary measurements, and automatically generates comprehensive reports for physician review.

Remarkably, complex AI services can simultaneously detect up to 14 different pathologies within a single image, dramatically improving diagnostic efficiency.

Providing additional protection

This innovative approach provides Moscow citizens undergoing examinations for various clinical indications with additional protection against one of the most subtle and dangerous age-related diseases.

The AI technology assists physicians by enabling the detection of pathologies in their early stages and improving the accuracy of imaging measurements.

However, a radiologist always provides the final diagnosis based on a comprehensive analysis and interpretation of the studies, ensuring human expertise remains central to patient care.

Expanding AI healthcare infrastructure

Moscow’s healthcare system now offers doctors access to over 60 AI services capable of detecting signs of disease across 43 different 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, demonstrating the scale and reach of the implementation.

Looking forward

Moscow launched an experiment using innovative computer vision technologies within healthcare in 2020.

As part of this ongoing project, the city continues developing systems to support clinical decision-making based on analysis results.

Specialists from the Center for Diagnostics and Telemedicine of the Moscow Health Department are carrying out this work in collaboration with the Department of Information Technology.

The project aligns with the goals of the Moscow Healthcare Development Strategy through 2030 and aims to improve the quality and accessibility of medical care for all Moscow residents.