Özet:

Aim: Recent research has shown that the measurement of vertebrae bone density on computed tomography for diagnosis of osteoporosis is associated with dual energy X-ray absorptiometry. Our aim was to compare vertebra bone density on pre-existing CT images (CTd) between patients with and without osteoporotic vertebral fracture (OVF) for predicting OVF. Methods: Fifty patients with OVF and age and gender-matched 50 controls were included in this retrospective case-control study. All measurements were taken from transverse sections passing through the center of the vertebrae (L5-T10), and Hounsfield units (HU) values were recorded. Using receiver operating characteristics analysis, cut-off point values for different levels were determined. Results: CTd measured at each vertebra was significantly lower in the case group than in controls (p<0.001). In increased risk of OVF, the cut-off value was 90 HU for each lumbar vertebra, and 100 HU for T12-T11-T10 vertebrae, sensitivity is over 90%, positive predictive values for lumbar vertebrae, and T12-T10 were 96% and 92%, respectively. Conclusions: Vertebral bone density measurement on pre-existing CT images is an easy method demonstrating the risk of OVF, without additional cost and radiation exposure. CTd value below 100 HU on lower thoracic and below 90 HU on lumbar vertebrae indicates a high risk of OVF.

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