Can abdominal multi-detector CT diagnose spinal osteoporosis?

Abstract

The aim of this study was to (1) generate quantitative CT (QCT) densitometric data based on routine abdominal multi-detector (MDCT) examinations and (2) investigate whether these data can be used to differentiate osteoporotic from healthy females. Twenty-five female patients (group A) with a history of radiotherapy were examined both with routine abdominal MDCT and standard QCT to generate a MDCT-to-QCT conversion equation. Twenty-one osteoporotic (group B) and 23 healthy female patients (group C) were also recruited in the study. Patients of groups B and C underwent routine abdominal MDCT examination for various clinical indications. Mean bone mineral density (BMD) in patients of group A was 103.4 mg/ml +/- 32.8 with routine abdominal MDCT and 91.0 mg/ml +/- 28.5 with QCT. Quantitative CT BMD(QCT) values for patients in groups B and C were calculated utilizing the BMD(MDCT) values derived from routine abdominal MDCT data sets and the MDCT to QCT conversion equation: BMD(QCT)=0:78 x BMD(MDCT) + 10:13. The calculated QCT densitometric data adequately differentiated osteoporotic from healthy females (area under ROC curve 0.828, p = 0.05). In conclusion, this study showed that in a group of female patients, QCT data derived from routine abdominal MDCT examinations discriminated osteoporotic from healthy subjects.

Bone Mineral Density Values Derived from Routine Lumbar Spine Multidetector Row CT Predict Osteoporotic Vertebral Fractures and Screw Loosening

“…13,14 In previous studies, it has been demonstrated that routine contrast-enhanced and non-contrast-enhanced abdominal CT as well as cardiac CT scans may be used to determine BMD of the spine. 13,14,[23][24][25][26] We have developed 2 MDCT-to-qCT conversion equations for 120 kVp and 140 kVp tube voltage, respectively, which both show a high correlation coefficient and are comparable with previous studies. 13,14 To our knowledge, there were 3 aspects that have been analyzed in this study for the first time: First, we were able to confirm converted BMD values obtained from MDCT scans as prognostic markers for screw loosening in patients with spondylodesis.…”

Intravenous contrast injection significantly affects bone mineral density measured on CT

“…Papadakis et al [21] showed that BMD measurements could be used as a diagnostic tool for osteoporosis. However, both studies only used contrast-enhanced CT and did not compare these findings with unenhanced measurements.…”

Measurement of Phantomless Thoracic Bone Mineral Density on Coronary Artery Calcium CT Scans Acquired with Various CT Scanner Models

“…Experience already exists with phantomless BMD measurements in the lumbar spine (21) and comparisons of lumbar and thoracic phantom-based BMD measures (22).…”