L1 vertebral density on CT is too variable with different scanning protocols to be a useful screening tool for osteoporosis in everyday practice.

CONCLUSION: There is significant variability in the L1 vertebral body CT density due to differences in acquisition variables such as kVp and timing post iv contrast medium. Advances in knowledge: Previous studies suggested that L1 CT density could be used to screen for osteoporosis. The current study cautions that it is not possible to define a single L1 density threshold for screening, due to the number of variables within a wide range of scanning protocols for different imaging indications in everyday practice. PMID: 29308913 [PubMed - as supplied by publisher]

https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/29308913?dopt=Abstract

Source: The British Journal of Radiology - January 8, 2018 Category: Radiology Authors: Gerety EL, Bearcroft PW Tags: Br J Radiol Source Type: research