The goal of this clinical trial is to determine how effectively bone structures of the human skeleton can be visualized using Deep Learning (DL) augmented Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) in individuals with inflammatory and degenerative joint changes, compared to Computed Tomography (CT). MRI is a technique that operates without the use of X-rays. The main question it aims to answer is:
1. Can DL MRI accurately depict bone structures as well as CT? 2. Can DL MRI be used as an alternative to CT to avoid exposure to X-rays in the future?
Researchers will compare DL MRI scans to CT scans to see if DL MRI can effectively replace CT in visualizing bone structures without the use of radiation.
Participants will:
1. Undergo MRI scans of their skeletal system that will then be processed using DL. 2. Undergo CT scans of the same body region for comparison purposes.
Referral for a clinically indicated MRI examination of the musculoskeletal system to assess inflammatory and degenerative joint changes.
Willingness to sign the informed consent form.
No contraindications for a CT examination (e.g., claustrophobia).
No signed informed consent form.
Patients under 18 years of age.
Pregnant women.
The calculated effective dose of the CT examination exceeds 5 mSv.
Single group
Low Dose Computer Tomography
RadiationParticipants will undergo MRI scans of their skeletal system, followed by the Intervention of a Low Dose CT scan of the same body region for comparison purposes.
Total score for bone erosions
Each bone is scored separately. The scale is 0-10, based on the proportion of eroded bone compared to the "assessed bone volume," judged on all available images: 0: no erosion; 1: 1-10% of bone eroded; 2: 11-20%, etc. For long bones, the "assessed bone volume" is from the articular surface (or its best estimated position if absent) to a depth of 1 cm, while in carpal/tarsal bones it is the whole bone. Example of bone list for hands: carpal bones, distal radius, distal ulna, metacarpal bases; metacarpophalangeal, MCP, joints: metacarpal head, phalangeal base; maximum points: 230. A higher score means more bone erosions. Note: The total score will vary according to body area imaged, this will be taken into account in the final analysis.
Total score for joint space narrowing
0: no narrowing, 1: focal or mild (\< 33%), 2: moderate (34-66%), 3: moderate to severe (67-99%), 4: ankylosis A higher score means more joint space narrowing. Note: The total score will vary according to body area imaged, this will be taken into account in the final analysis.
Visibility of cortical bone
Scale from 1 to 4 1. hardly visible 2. diagnostic with some artifact 3. diagnostic with little artifact 4. very good depiction A higher score means better image quality.
Visibility of trabecular bone
Scale from 1 to 4 1. hardly visible 2. diagnostic with some artifact 3. diagnostic with little artifact 4. very good depiction A higher score means better image quality.
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Roman Guggenberger
Lead sponsor
University of Zurich
Sponsor institution
