Title of project

Opportunistic Screening of Osteoporosis and the Prognostic Impact in Patients Referred for Routine CT

Abstract

This project explores the use of artificial intelligence (AI) for opportunistic bone mineral density (BMD) screening using routine cardiac computed tomography (CT) scans. The benefits from using existing imaging include low additional cost, no extra patient time needed, and no extra radiation exposure. Despite access to diagnostic tools and available treatment options, osteoporosis is an underdiagnosed disease, which still affects many individuals. A nation-wide osteoporosis screening strategy has been implemented in Denmark, however only in individuals having sustained a likely major osteoporotic related fracture (Fracture Liaison Service or FLS). As CT is widely used and age-related diseases like osteoporosis and cardiovascular disease are increasing, AI-assisted BMD screening made simultaneously with the cardiac assessment, could offer a scalable, efficient solution. This study includes large cohorts of participants undergoing cardiac CT. The main aims are: (1) to develop and validate an AI-assisted method for BMD measurement on cardiac CT; (2) to assess the value of AI-assisted BMD for fracture prediction; and (3) to investigate AI-measured bone architecture for fracture prediction. The overall objective is to ensure primary prevention of any osteoporosis-related fractures and their complications by an efficient and accurate method for detecting osteoporosis and for fracture prediction.