Osteoporosis CT

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Editor-In-Chief: C. Michael Gibson, M.S., M.D. [1]; Associate Editor(s)-In-Chief: Cafer Zorkun, M.D., Ph.D. [2], Raviteja Guddeti, M.B.B.S.[3]

Overview

Quantitative computed tomography (QCT) scanning is an alternative to DEXA scan for measuring bone mineral density. It measures BMD as a true volume density in g/cm3, which is not influenced by bone size. It is used to measure bone mineral density of only the spine.

CT Scan

• It measures the bone mineral density of only the spine and thus aiding in diagnosing spine osteoporosis.
• It is used in identifying fractures.

Advantages

• Measures true volume density.
• More sensitive than conventional x-ray

Disadvantages

• Requires higher radiation dose
• Expensive
• Relatively poor reproducibility
• Presence of osteophytes can interfere with the imaging quality

Quantitative CT scan is seldom used now.

Single photon emission computed tomography (SPECT) scanning offers better image contrast and more accurate lesion localization.

References

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