Evaluation of the density of the distribution of the spongy substance elements of the lumbar vertebral bodies by textural analysis

In this study, a quantitative assessment of the density of the distribution of the spongy substance elements of the lumbar vertebral bodies was carried out by the method of textural analysis of magnetic resonance imaging. The purpose of the work was to establish reference values of the signal intensity of the spongy substance of the lumbar vertebral bodies in individuals of the first and second periods of adulthood in normal conditions. Materials and methods: The study included the analysis of MR tomograms of the lumbar spine of 35 patients with no detected structural changes in the vertebrae obtained in the mid-sagittal projection. The segmentation of the spongy substance of the vertebral bodies LI–LV was performed in the interactive environment of the RadiAnt DICOM Viewer software, followed by the determination of parameters such as the average value of the signal intensity, its maximum and minimum values, the area of the studied area and the standard deviation. Statistical data processing was performed using the StatMed program using both parametric and nonparametric criteria, depending on whether the data corresponded to a normal distribution. Results and discussion: The results demonstrated that in representatives of the first period of maturity, the signal intensity values do not statistically differ between all lumbar vertebrae, which allows using a single reference value without taking into account the vertebra number. At the same time, significant differences between the third and fourth vertebrae and between the fourth and fifth vertebrae were found in individuals of the second period of maturity, which may be due to a natural age-related decrease in bone mineral density in the lumbar spine. It is interesting to note that correlations between the values of the signal intensity and the age of the subjects were either absent or poorly expressed, which emphasizes the need for a differentiated approach to interpreting the data obtained depending on the age group. Conclusion: The obtained data demonstrate the significant potential of using the signal intensity indicator not only for the diagnosis of pre-existing bone tissue pathologies, but also as a predictor of its correction at preclinical stages. This opens up prospects for the introduction of quantitative analysis methods into routine clinical practice, which can significantly improve the early diagnosis of osteoporosis and other diseases associated with impaired bone mineral density, as well as increase the objectivity of interpretation of the results of radiation examinations.