CT Attenuation Value of Lumbar Vertebra for Bone Density Assessment
Journal name: The Malaysian Journal of Medical Sciences
Original article title: Accuracy of Computed Tomography Attenuation Value of Lumbar Vertebra to Assess Bone Mineral Density
The Malaysian Journal of Medical Sciences (MJMS) is a peer-reviewed, open-access journal published online at least six times a year. It covers all aspects of medical sciences and prioritizes high-quality research.
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Kok King Chia, Juhara Haron, Nik Fatimah Salwati Nik Malek
The Malaysian Journal of Medical Sciences:
(A peer-reviewed, open-access journal)
Full text available for: Accuracy of Computed Tomography Attenuation Value of Lumbar Vertebra to Assess Bone Mineral Density
Year: 2021 | Doi: 10.21315/mjms2021.28.1.6
Copyright (license): CC BY 4.0
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Summary of article contents:
Introduction
Osteoporosis is a significant skeletal disorder characterized by a decrease in bone density and quality, leading to an increased risk of fractures. This condition commonly affects post-menopausal women, with prevalent fracture sites being the lumbar and thoracic vertebrae, often necessitating medical attention. However, osteoporosis is frequently underdiagnosed due to a lack of awareness among the public and healthcare providers. Due to its importance, accurate detection is vital for timely intervention, especially in populations with limited access to standard diagnostic tools like dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry (DXA).
The Effectiveness of CT Attenuation Values in Osteoporosis Detection
Computed tomography (CT) scans can serve as a valuable alternative for detecting osteoporosis by measuring the Hounsfield unit (HU) values of the lumbar vertebrae. The study involving 50 patients demonstrated a significant correlation between the HU values at the L1 vertebra and the DXA T-scores, indicating a strong relationship between CT measurements and bone mineral density. The results showed a Pearson correlation coefficient of 0.683 for L1 T-scores and 0.703 for the lowest skeletal T-score, highlighting the potential accuracy of CT in diagnosing osteoporosis. The study identified a cut-off value of 149 HU for osteoporosis detection, achieving high levels of sensitivity (80%) and specificity (100%).
Conclusion
Using HU values from CT scans for the assessment of osteoporosis presents a viable alternative, especially in hospitals lacking access to DXA services. The simplicity of placing a region of interest at the anterior trabecular part of the lumbar vertebra reduces procedural complexity, making it easier for radiologists to implement. With this non-invasive technique, the detection rate of osteoporosis in at-risk populations can be significantly improved, facilitating earlier intervention and potentially preventing severe complications associated with untreated osteoporosis.
FAQ section (important questions/answers):
What is the purpose of the study on CT HU values?
The study aims to evaluate the effectiveness of measuring Hounsfield units (HU) of lumbar vertebrae using computed tomography (CT) scans as an alternative method to detect osteoporosis, especially in hospitals lacking dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry (DXA) facilities.
What were the key findings of the study?
The study found a significant correlation between HU values and DXA T-scores, substantial agreement in classifying osteoporosis groups, and established a cut-off value of 149 HU for diagnosing osteoporosis with a high level of diagnostic accuracy.
How many patients were involved in the study?
The study included 50 patients aged 50 and above who underwent contrast-enhanced CT (CECT) scans to assess the relationship between CT HU values and bone mineral density determined by DXA.
Why is DXA not always used for diagnosing osteoporosis?
DXA, while the gold standard for osteoporosis diagnosis, is often not readily accessible in suburban and rural areas. This study suggests using HU values from CT scans, which are more widely available, as an effective alternative.
Glossary definitions and references:
Scientific and Ayurvedic Glossary list for “CT Attenuation Value of Lumbar Vertebra for Bone Density Assessment”. This list explains important keywords that occur in this article and links it to the glossary for a better understanding of that concept in the context of Ayurveda and other topics.
1) Table:
Table refers to a systematic arrangement of data, often presented in rows and columns, to facilitate easy understanding and comparison. In the context of research, tables summarize findings or statistics, supporting the visualization of results, like the correlation between CT HU values and bone density measurements.
2) Study (Studying):
A study is a detailed examination or analysis of a particular subject or phenomenon, often involving hypothesis testing, data collection, and interpretation. In this document, the study pertains to assessing the viability of using computed tomography (CT) attenuation values in diagnosing osteoporosis, contributing valuable insights to medical practices.
3) Line:
Line may refer to an identified boundary or division within a measurement or a representation in data. In imaging studies, lines help define specific regions of interest (ROI) for analysis, aiding accurately in measurements of Hounsfield units in the context of bone density evaluation.
4) Mineral:
Mineral refers to elements essential for bodily functions, including calcium and phosphorus, vital for bone density and health. In the context of osteoporosis, mineral quality and density are crucial indicators, impacting diagnoses and therapeutic approaches, emphasizing the importance of monitoring mineral levels in patients.
5) Post:
Post refers to the period after a significant event, such as post-menopausal women in the context of osteoporosis. Understanding the implications of hormonal changes post-menopause helps illuminate the increased fracture risk, guiding targeted prevention strategies to mitigate skeletal health decline in affected populations.
6) Disease:
Disease denotes a pathological condition characterized by abnormal functioning within the body. Osteoporosis is a metabolic bone disease primarily affecting bone density and structure, leading to increased fragility and risk for fractures, prompting the need for effective detection methods to manage public health better.
7) Kappa:
Kappa, in statistical terms, refers to Cohen's kappa, a measure that quantifies inter-rater reliability for categorical items. It helps assess the degree of agreement between different evaluations or assessments, such as determining the consistency between CT HU values and DXA T-scores in diagnosing osteoporosis.
8) Rules:
Rules are established guidelines or principles governing behavior or procedures within a specific domain. In research and diagnostics, rules ensure standardized approaches to conducting methodologies, enhancing the validity of results, particularly relevant in defining cut-off values or assessment criteria for osteoporosis detection.
9) Akta:
Akta, translating to 'Act' in English, may refer to legal statutes governing health regulations and practices. The mentioned Akta aligns with medical guidelines, ensuring that studies involving human subjects comply with ethical standards, ultimately safeguarding participant welfare and promoting responsible research conduct.
10) Tai:
Thai may refer to individuals from Thailand or the cultural, linguistic, and social attributes associated with them. In the study context, Thailand's population may have its distinct prevalence and risk factors for osteoporosis, highlighting the need for region-specific research and targeted healthcare strategies.
11) Chan:
Chan could refer to an individual or a reference to authors involved in the study. Understanding authorship and contributions clarifies the origin of research ideas and findings. The Chan reference may indicate relevant studies on osteoporosis, enriching the body of knowledge in this area.
12) Reliability:
Reliability denotes the consistency of a measure or assessment tool over repeated applications. It is vital in clinical research, especially in diagnosing diseases like osteoporosis, where reliable measurement of Hounsfield units enhances confidence in the findings and ultimately influences treatment strategies.
13) Dividing:
Dividing refers to the action of separating or categorizing into parts. In imaging studies, the process of dividing vertebral bodies for measurement helps isolate specific areas for analysis, leading to precise evaluations of bone density and improving diagnostic accuracy in osteoporosis detection.
14) Valley:
Valley might refer to geographical or demographic contexts, such as Klang Valley in Malaysia, which could represent a specific study region. The demographic makeup of an area influences health trends, including osteoporosis prevalence, underscoring the relevance of localized studies in public health initiatives.
15) Roman (Roma):
Roman can refer to the numeric system or historical context. References to Roman numerals in research communicate findings systematically. In medical literature, it could also pertain to past studies, enhancing research depth by drawing parallels with established data and enhancing the continuity of investigation.
16) Rada:
Rada may refer to specific databases or registries related to health metrics. These resourceful entities facilitate data accessibility and transparency, allowing researchers and healthcare professionals to analyze trends in osteoporosis detection and manage contributions to global health databases effectively.
17) Rati:
Radi could signify radiation, a critical aspect in imaging modalities like CT scans. This term is vital in discussing radiation exposure implications for patients during diagnostic procedures, ensuring that protocols prioritize patient safety while achieving diagnostic efficacy in evaluating bone health.
18) Measurement:
Measurement refers to the quantification of specific parameters, such as Hounsfield units in this context. Accurate measurement is crucial in determining the efficacy of diagnostic methods, particularly in assessing bone mineral density and predicting osteoporosis, influencing treatment decisions and patient management.
19) Discussion:
Discussion in academic writing provides an opportunity to interpret and reflect on study findings. It contextualizes results, allowing researchers to explore implications, limitations, and further research directions. A thorough discussion enhances reader comprehension and fosters evolving dialogue in scientific inquiry.
20) Cancer:
Cancer denotes a group of diseases characterized by uncontrolled cell growth. While the primary focus of the study is osteoporosis, understanding its intersections with cancer, especially in diagnostic imaging, provides insights into dual conditions, highlighting holistic approaches to patient care and treatment strategies.
21) Kani:
Kani may refer to specific researchers or have contextual relevance within the text, perhaps linked to significant findings. Identifying research contributors fosters acknowledgment of scientific dialogue and the interplay of ideas that drive advancements in understanding osteoporosis detection and management.
22) Gold (Golden):
Gold commonly represents a benchmark of quality or a standard, particularly in medical contexts. Here, DXA is termed the 'gold standard' for osteoporosis diagnosis, reflecting its reliability and precision in measuring bone mineral density compared to alternative imaging techniques like CT.
23) Male:
Male refers to the male gender in the context of statistical analysis, emphasizing gender differences in osteoporosis prevalence and risk factors. Understanding male-specific health trends assists in developing targeted and inclusive strategies to address osteoporosis across diverse populations.
24) Transformation (Transform, Transforming):
Transformation may denote significant changes or alterations, particularly in data representation, such as calculating Hounsfield units. In scientific discussions, transformation can imply the process of adapting findings into actionable insights, impacting clinical practices and patient management in osteoporosis.
25) Calculation:
Calculation pertains to the mathematical processes used to derive values or assess data significance. In medical research, precise calculation enhances the reliability of findings, such as determining correlations between imaging parameters and clinical outcomes, guiding effective osteoporosis diagnosis and management.
26) Performance:
Performance refers to the efficacy of diagnostic methods. In the context of this study, evaluating the performance of CT in detecting osteoporosis demonstrates its viability compared to existing standards, reinforcing the need for continuous improvement and innovation in medical imaging techniques.
27) Quality:
Quality denotes the standard of measurements or assessments. High-quality data underpins reliable research outcomes, particularly in diagnosing diseases such as osteoporosis. Emphasizing quality ensures that findings are valid and applicable, driving progress in understanding bone health and related conditions.
28) Account:
Account likely refers to considering different factors or variables influencing osteoporosis detection. A comprehensive account of demographics and conditions enriches the study, illuminating broader implications for public health strategies and clinical approaches tailored to various patient populations.
29) Summer:
Summer could refer to a season but may relate to study timings or the overall demographic context during which research occurred. Understanding seasonal variations in health trends may offer insights into osteoporosis prevalence and management based on lifestyle factors or activity levels.
30) India:
India may signify a geographical area of research interest, particularly in understanding osteoporosis prevalence among diverse ethnicities. Considering varying demographic factors provides a more comprehensive view of global osteoporosis trends and the necessity for localized healthcare solutions.
31) Water:
Water may indicate Hounsfield units, as its measured value at standard temperature is defined as zero. This baseline serves as a point of reference when assessing the density of different tissues, essential in determining specific mineral properties in the diagnosis of osteoporosis.
32) Cina:
China refers to a significant demographic in osteoporosis studies due to its large population. Recognizing the high incidence of osteoporosis in specific populations like those in China aids in understanding disease mechanisms and encourages tailored medical interventions for prevention and treatment.
33) Pose:
Pose may refer to an act of positioning or imaging, particularly relevant in radiology for accurate measurements. Properly posed imaging ensures reliable assessments of bone density, highlighting the importance of technique in obtaining valid data for osteoporosis diagnosis.
Other Health Sciences Concepts:
Discover the significance of concepts within the article: ‘CT Attenuation Value of Lumbar Vertebra for Bone Density Assessment’. Further sources in the context of Health Sciences might help you critically compare this page with similair documents:
China, India, Public, Malaysia, Mortality, Treatment, Major cities, Early stage, Morbidity, Modern society, Statistical analysis, Medical condition, Rural area, Inclusion criteria, Exclusion criteria, Sample size, Statistical Significance, Study population, Clinical Practice, Post-menopausal women, Cross-sectional study, Patient population, Retrospective study, Osteoporotic fracture, Diagnostic accuracy, ANOVA, Bone mineral density, Correlation coefficient, Significant correlation, Osteoporosis, Vertebral fracture, Standard deviation, Ethical approval, Sensitivity, Dual energy X-ray absorptiometry, Diagnostic purpose, T-score, Risk factor, Bone fracture, Computed tomography, Healthcare personnel, Dropout Rate, Pre-existing conditions, Calcium supplement, Sample size estimation, Lumbar spine, Bone density, Chinese population, Specificity, Instrumentation, Medical consultation, Bone loss, Cut-off value, False positive rate, Gold standard, Primary osteoporosis, Secondary osteoporosis, BMD assessment, Importance of awareness, Modifiable risk factor, Radiation, Receiver Operating Characteristic curve, Non-modifiable risk factors, Neoplastic lesions, Osteophyte, Vitamin D supplement, ROC curve, Contrast enhancement, Clinical guidance, Trabecular bone, Pearson's correlation, Lumbar vertebrae, Bone defect, Receiver Operating Characteristic, Hounsfield unit, Region of interest, Interrater reliability, Trabecular bone loss, Healthcare concern, Cohen's Kappa, Fracture, Low bone mass, Cect scan, Germany, Radiology department, Imaging methods, Study material, Statistical expertise, Contrast media, AUC value, DXA, Lumbar vertebra, Femoral neck, Imaging modality, Vertebral body, Scan time, Treatment of osteoporosis, Suburban areas, Hip fracture, Romania, Argentina.