A CT examination is typically acquired to answer a specific clinical question. But the images can also contain quantitative information that may have value beyond the original indication.
One area worth exploring is bone mineral density (BMD).
Why bone mineral density from CT matters
- Osteoporosis is a significant public health concern.
- Many patients already undergo CT imaging for other clinical reasons.
- Existing images may contain information relevant to bone health.
- The opportunity is to explore whether this information can be extracted without requiring an entirely separate imaging pathway.
This raises an interesting question: could CT imaging already being performed for one clinical purpose also provide insights into bone health?
Opportunistic BMD analysis with Aiken BMD
At Aikenist, we are exploring AI-powered BMD assessment from CT imaging as part of a broader effort to extract more quantitative intelligence from medical images. Aiken BMD is the module that does this. It:
- Provides bone mineral density analysis from standard CT abdomen scans.
- Uses low-dose CT images, leveraging scans that already exist in your PACS.
- Supports prevention and treatment management of bone-health conditions.
- Recommends a DEXA scan in cases where a follow-up is appropriate.
Where it fits in the workflow
Because Aiken BMD runs on studies you already acquire, there is nothing new to schedule for the patient:
- The CT study is acquired at the modality console.
- Aiken Pusher sends the study to the QuickRad PACS server.
- The study is stored and processed on the PACS server.
- The radiologist opens the study and results in the QuickRad Viewer.
A note on clinical evidence
The clinical evidence behind this capability is being evaluated through Aikenist's ongoing research and study work. We are sharing the idea and the approach, not claiming that CT-derived BMD replaces established bone-health assessment.
The next step may not be another scan
The next step in medical imaging may not always be another scan. It may be finding more information in the scan we already have.
Aiken BMD is one of several modules in Aiken QuickDiag, which also includes Calcium Scoring for cardiac risk and Aiken Adipo for body composition.
Frequently asked questions
Can a CT scan measure bone mineral density?
Aiken BMD provides bone mineral density analysis from standard CT abdomen scans, including low-dose CT images, to support prevention and treatment management of bone-health conditions.
Does bone density analysis from CT need a separate scan?
No. Aiken BMD analyses CT scans that already exist, so no additional imaging is required for the analysis.
Does Aiken BMD replace a DEXA scan?
Aiken BMD recommends a DEXA scan where one is appropriate, and otherwise leverages the CT you already have. The clinical evidence for the capability is being evaluated through Aikenist's ongoing research and study work.
How does Aiken BMD fit into the radiology workflow?
Aiken Pusher sends the CT study from the modality console to the QuickRad PACS server, and the results open in the QuickRad Viewer for the radiologist.
Product capabilities are described as stated in Aikenist's product documentation; availability and regulatory status vary by product and region. QuickSuite is intended for use by, or under the supervision of, licensed healthcare professionals only.