Dual-Energy X-Ray Absorptiometry (DEXA) Scan Versus Computed Tomography for Bone Density Assessment
Malak Alawi, Azra Begum, Mohamed M. Harraz, Hani Alawi, Shahd Bamagos, Abdulmalek M Yaghmour, Lubna Hafiz
Abstract
) for the HU value and bone mineral density were 0.581, 0.623, 0.653,0.612, respectively. All the calculated correlations were significant (p<0.001). Therefore, it was concluded that there was a positive correlation between the HU values and the DEXA for the BMD and between the HU values and the T-score. Based on the WHO guidelines, the T-scores of the lumbar vertebrae were classified into three groups. The mean HU values for the subjects in the normal group were 174.05 (95% confidence interval, 153-194.49), in the osteopenia group were 120.45 HU (95% confidence interval, 106.98-133.91), and in the osteoporosis group were 115 HU (95% confidence interval, 104.60-125.40). The differences in the mean HU values between the groups were significant. Conclusion On analyzing the results of our study, we reached the conclusion that there is a positive correlation between the HU calculated from CT with automated exposure control and BMD calculated from the DEXA. Thus CT scans done for various reasons, for example, the abdomen, lumbar spine, etc. can provide us with information about the patient's bone density as well. CT is a very popular, easily accessible, reproducible, and reliable tool for measuring HU values and thereby in the opportunistic screening of osteoporosis.