Keywords:
Comparative studies, Statistics, CT-Quantitative, Musculoskeletal spine, Osteoporosis
Authors:
A. C. C. Padilha, C. Jorge, T. Adragão, P. G. M. G. Ferreira, F. Fernandes; Lisbon/PT
DOI:
10.26044/essr2019/P-0082
Conclusion
In this study,
we compare the BMD obtained by QCT and the BMD and T-score from DEXA scans,
to provide an alternative way to the diagnosis of osteopenia or osteoporosis.
Due QCT software we were able to achieve the mean BMD from L1 to L3,
by delimitation of the trabecular bone in the centre of mid-vertebral body,
measurement which was not affected by degenerative changes in either endplates or cortical bone.
The QCT had a positive correlation either with BMD or T-score from DEXA scans,
which is considered the gold standard for diagnosing osteoporosis.
The mean of QCT from normal,
osteopenic and osteoporotic subjects were 119.7,
82.4 and 75.8 mg ca-HA/ml.
Although,
we are able to recognize that our study has same limitations,
such as the QCT measure separable the trabecular from the cortical bone,
while T-score and BMD from DXA scans included both trabecular and cortical bone.
We conclude that BMD values derived from QCT may be used to determine the bone fragility,
applying the software,
maybe into routine CT and therefore with no additional costs to the patient.
In fact,
the QCT allows a true three dimensional bone density measurement without superimposition of other tissues.
Furthermore,
it allows to separate the measurement of trabecular from cortical bone and therefore some of the measurement are not affected by degenerative changes.
Although,
there are limitations to the widespread of this study per si,
such as the higher radiation dose (compared to DEXA) and the fact that the definition of osteoporosis by the World Health Organization is based on the T-score value,
which can’t be applicable in QCT.