Assessment of dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry (DXA) and quantitative computed tomography (QCT) methods with biochemical markers in lumbar and femoral osteoporosis diagnosis

Abstract

Objective: In this study we aimed to investigate whether there is a difference in osteoporosis detection rates with dual energy x-ray absorbsiometry (DXA) and Quantitative Computed Tomography (QCT) and relationship between bone-related biochemical markers. Methods: 34 postmenopausal women who admitted to Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation Clinic with complaints of dorsalgia. Lumbar and thoracal X-rays were obtained in all patients. Bone mineral density measurements were performed with DXA and QCT. Therefore, osteoporosis and osteopenia rates were detected. Serum levels of calcium, phosphorus, bone-spesific alkaline phosphatase (BAP), osteocalcin, parathormone, calcitonin and 25-OH vitamin D3 were measured. Results: The mean age of patients was 63.44+9.34 years. L2-L4 vertebrae T-score in 6/34 (17.64%) patients and Femoral neck T-score in 3/34 (8.82%) patients were <2.5 in DXA evaluation. With QCT evaluation, L2-L4 vertebrae T-score in 31/34 (91.1%) patients and femoral neck T-score in 2/34 (5.88%) patients were <2.5. Osteoporosis detection rates were higher with QCT compared to DXA and it was found statistically significant (p<0.005). Statistically significant relationship was found between lumbar and femur T scores of bone mineral density and calcitonin (p<0.005). Conclusion: Osteoporosis detection rates were higher with QCT compared to DXA. QCT seems to be more valuable to detect osteoporosis.