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PubMed1999

Scanning laser densitometry and color perimetry demonstrate reduced photopigment density and sensitivity in two patients with retinal degeneration.

PURPOSE: To test the feasibility of scanning laser densitometry with a modified Rodenstock scanning laser ophthalmoscope (SLO) to measure the rod and cone photopigment distribution in patients with retinal diseases. METHODS: Scanning laser densitometry was performed using a modified Rodenstock scanning laser ophthalmoscope. The distribution of the photopigments was calculated from dark adapted and bleached images taken with the 514 nm laser of the SLO. This wavelength is absorbed by rod and cone photopigments. Discrimination is possible due to their different spatial distribution. Additionally, to measure retinal sensitivity profiles, dark adapted two color static perimetry with a Tübinger manual perimeter was performed along the horizontal meridian with 1 degree spacing. RESULTS: A patient with retinitis pigmentosa had slightly reduced photopigment density within the central +/- 5 degrees but no detectable photopigment for eccentricities beyond 5 degrees. A patient with cone dystrophy had nearly normal pigment density beyond +/- 5 degrees, but considerably reduced photopigment density within the central +/- 5 degrees. Within the central +/- 5 degrees, the patient with retinitis pigmentosa had normal sensitivity for the red stimulus and reduced sensitivity for the green stimulus. There was no measurable function beyond 7 degrees. The patient with cone dystrophy had normal sensitivity for the green stimulus outside the foveal center and reduced sensitivity for the red stimulus at the foveal center. The results of color perimetry for this patient with a central scotoma were probably influenced by eccentric fixation. CONCLUSION: Scanning laser densitometry with a modified Rodenstock SLO is a useful method to assess the human photopigment distribution. Densitometry results were confirmed by dark adapted two color static perimetry. Photopigment distribution and retinal sensitivity profiles can be measured with high spatial resolution. This may help to measure exactly the temporal development of retinal diseases and to test the success of different therapeutic treatments. Both methods have limitations at the present state of development. However, some of these limitations can be overcome by further improving the instruments.

Adult↗
PubMed2002

Bone densitometry in children.

Compared with adults, limited attention has been paid to bone densitometry in children. However, due to the recognition of the importance of peak bone mass and the increased capabilities to treat children with diseases that affect bone growth and/or metabolism, bone densitometry is used more often in children. This article will discuss the available bone densitometry techniques and the limitations of their use in children. The article is concluded with a discussion on specific problems that can be encountered in pediatric bone densitometry.

Absorptiometry, Photon↗
PubMed2005

Calcaneal ultrasound bone densitometry is not a useful tool to screen patients with inflammatory bowel disease at high risk for metabolic bone disease.

BACKGROUND: Up to 42% of patients with inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) have significant metabolic bone disease. The current method of screening for osteopenia or osteoporosis involves dual-energy x-ray absorptiometry (DXA). This is relatively costly and involves radiation exposure. What is needed is a safe, inexpensive, and quick screening tool to identify patients who would benefit from DXA testing. This would reduce the number of patients undergoing DXA testing unnecessarily. We tried to determine if calcaneal ultrasound bone densitometry is a useful tool in screening high-risk patients with IBD for metabolic bone disease. METHODS: Patients with IBD who presented to the clinic between August 29, 2003 and December 22, 2003 were enrolled in this prospective study. All patients underwent calcaneal ultrasound bone densitometry screening using a GE Lunar Achilles Insight quantitative ultrasound densitometry machine (QUS). Patients who were at high risk for significant metabolic bone disease (i.e., significant previous prednisone use or a long history of severe IBD) or who had a T-score on QUS less than or equal to -0.7 had DXA testing performed. The DXA results and QUS results were compared. The radiologist was blinded to the results of QUS. RESULTS: One hundred twenty-four patients with IBD were enrolled. Fifty (40%) were considered high risk for metabolic bone disease. This cohort was comprised of 29 men (58%), of which 21 (73%) had Crohn's disease (CD). Eighty percent of this high-risk group had CD, and in both groups, the majority had used corticosteroids. The overall risk of significant metabolic bone disease in this high-risk group was 62% (DXA < or = -1.0). Heel density (T-score) correlated poorly with DXA (T-score) at either hip or spine at 0.40 even when 2 outlier patients (QUS = -2.9, DXA spine = 0.7, DXA hip = 0.8 and QUS = -3.6, DXA spine = -3, DXA hip = -4) were excluded. Likewise, no association in osteopenia or osteoporosis was seen between multiple variables. These included sex, disease type (ulcerative colitis or CD), smoking, and prior intestinal resection. The sensitivity of QUS to identify patients with significant metabolic bone disease was 74%, and specificity was 63%. A positive predictive value of 81% and negative predictive value of 53% were also less than ideal. The Altman-Bland analysis showed that the agreement between QUS and DXA was poor (-2.0, 2.1). Based on this analysis, QUS cannot replace DXA in the individual patient with IBD. CONCLUSIONS: Calcaneal ultrasound bone densitometry is not a useful tool to screen high-risk patients with IBD for metabolic bone disease.

Adult↗
PubMed2005

Comparison of acoustic densitometry and dobutamine echocardiography for an assessment of myocardial viability.

AIM: The aim of this study has been to compare acoustic densitometry and dobutamine echocardiography for an assessment of myocardial viability. METHODS AND RESULTS: Thirty-four patients with coronary artery disease and dysfunctional myocardial segments, who were referred for myocardial revascularization, underwent a viability assessment using low-dose dobutamine echocardiography and acoustic densitometry. Results of the two techniques were compared to follow-up resting echocardiography. This follow-up examination was performed at a mean of 3 months after successful revascularization in order to assess the recovery of function in revascularized, initially dysfunctional segments. Echocardiography was performed in standard views using 16-segment model of the left ventricle. Viable myocardium was identified by the augmentation of systolic thickening of an abnormal segment by at least one grade during dobutamine infusion and by the value of the maximal amplitude of cyclic variation of integrated backscatter. Acoustic densitometry had the sensitivity and specificity to predict functional recovery 90% and 77%, respectively. Dobutamine echocardiography had the sensitivity and specificity to predict contractile reserve 83% and 81%, respectively. The results were statistically comparable. Concordance between these methods was 80%. CONCLUSION: Acoustic densitometry and dobutamine echocardiography did not statistically differ in the prediction of functional recovery dysfunctional myocardial segments after revascularization.

Acoustics↗
PubMed1993

DNA densitometry of colorectal cancer.

DNA analysis was assessed by densitometry for 281 cases of colorectal adenocarcinoma. Detection of aneuploidy in a single case rose from 65% if one, to 92.5% when three or more sections, were analysed. Although aneuploid tumours had significantly larger nuclear areas than near diploid tumours (p = 0.009), densitometric measurements showed no association with clinicopathological variables. DNA content determined by densitometry was compared with that from flow cytometry on 465 tissue sections from 241 cases. Aneuploidy assessed by flow cytometry was significantly associated with that determined by densitometry (p < 0.01 for all comparisons), ploidy state being similar in 381 sections (82%, kappa = 0.63, p < 0.001), and 187 cases (77.6%, kappa = 0.57, p < 0.001). Univariate survival analysis showed that DNA densitometric variables had no significant association with survival in (a) all cases, (b) cases without lymph node metastases, or (c) cases without distant metastases. Multivariate regression analysis of densitometric and clinicopathological variables identified Dukes's stage, patient age, and tumour differentiation as the combination of variables most closely related to survival. Densitometric measurement of DNA content could not significantly improve on the prognostic model containing these three variables. It is concluded that, although the assessment of DNA content by densitometry is comparable with that of flow cytometry, conventional histological variables remain the best predictors of prognosis in colorectal cancer.

Adenocarcinoma↗
PubMed2001

Quantification and facilitated comparison of von Willebrand factor multimer patterns by densitometry.

The analysis of von Willebrand factor (vWF) multimers is an important laboratory tool for distinguishing among the numerous subtypes of von Willebrand disease (vWD). Comparability and reproducibility of this method are insufficient; standardization and external references are pending. Interlaboratory comparison of results therefore may be difficult. We applied densitometry to obtain a reproducible quantification of vWF multimer patterns in healthy donors, patients with vWD variants, and factor VIII/vWF concentrates to improve the reproducibility and comparability of vWF multimer analysis. Multimers were separated and visualized luminographically on x-ray films. Films were scanned and evaluated by densitometry. The variation inherent in vWF multimer analysis and the range of the normal could be quantified. In vWD variants and factor VIII/vWF concentrates, densitometry could quantify and visualize alterations of vWF multimer patterns and facilitate their comparison. Densitometry permits a precise quantitative comparison of sample patterns to a reference plasma. It could be a valuable tool offering reproducible quantification and additional visualization of normal and pathologic vWF multimer patterns, facilitating their comparison and contributing to a standardization of vWF multimer analysis.

Adult↗
PubMedDate not supplied

Direct-to-consumer marketing of osteoporosis drugs and bone densitometry.

OBJECTIVE: To determine whether there is an association between a woman's exposure to direct-to-consumer (DTC) advertisements for 2 osteoporosis drugs and presentation for bone densitometry. METHODS: A matched case-control study was conducted between October and December 1998 at an academic primary care clinic in Seattle, WA. Seventeen women from the study population (aged >/=18 y, seen in the previous 2 y at the academic primary care clinic) presented for bone densitometry. All 51 women completed a self-administered questionnaire. RESULTS: Women familiar with 1 of 2 osteoporosis drugs due to exposure to advertisements had 9 times the odds of densitometry (unadjusted OR 9.3, 95% CI 1.0 to 86). Multivariate analysis, including confounders such as education level and whether a woman had previously had 3 screening tests (mammography, Pap smear, serum cholesterol), revealed a significant and strong association between exposure to advertisements and densitometry (adjusted OR 29, 95% CI 1.6 to 511). CONCLUSIONS: DTC marketing may increase health services utilization. Further independent evaluation of DTC marketing based on available observational evidence is feasible and warranted.

Adult↗
PubMed1987

Phosphorus availability bioassay using bone ash and bone densitometry as response criteria.

Two experiments were conducted to examine the relative precision of bone densitometry and bone ash methodologies as response criteria in measurement of bioavailability of phosphorus from various supplements for turkeys. Multivariate analyses of variance were used to analyze data collected. Coefficients of correlation and variation and F ratios were used for evaluation. Bone densitometry with one scan at each of 3 points on the bone was faster than bone ash and as precise as bone ash analysis in measuring phosphorus availability in turkeys. The coefficient of correlation between percentage ash (of dry bone) and scan density (milligrams per centimeter length of bone) measurements for treatment effects was .986. The coefficient of variation was about the same for the bone ash (5.8) and the three-point bone scan (6.9) methods. As indicated by the F ratio for testing treatment effects, bone densitometry was better able to detect differences among phosphorus sources. A technician may scan 50 cleaned bones in 3 hr, but with the bone ash method, drying, ashing, and weighing may require 3 working days. Bone sampling technique, multiple operators, different bone sizes, and decay of iodine source were the major factors affecting precision of the bone densitometry technique. Relative biological availabilities of phosphorus from various supplements were about the same by the two methods.

Animals↗
PubMed1998

How to get the most out of bone densitometry. Results can help assess fracture risk and guide therapy.

Bone densitometry has well-established usefulness in assessing fracture risk. Anyone with a condition that might reduce bone mass or accelerate bone loss should undergo testing, as should postmenopausal women and perimenopausal women who are undecided about starting estrogen replacement therapy. When stratifying a patient's risk of fracture, clinicians should consider not only BMD but also age, lifestyle, concurrent illness, and family history. Almost all patients with BMD in the osteoporotic range on densitometry should be considered for pharmacologic therapy, and so should many of those with values in the osteopenic range. Periodic retesting with bone densitometry is appropriate to monitor the progress of age-related bone loss and response to therapy. There are differences among skeletal sites used in BMD measurement, particularly regarding response to therapy. In addition, there are differences in calibration among densitometry machines, so whenever possible, serial studies should be done on the same machine and by the same technologist.

Aged↗
PubMed1999

Qualitative identification of rigid gas permeable contact lens materials by densitometry.

PURPOSE: We describe a practical method to qualitatively identify polymethylmethacrylate (PMMA) and rigid gas permeable (RGP) contact lens materials. METHODS: By progressive dilution of a saturated saline solution made with distilled or tap water and sodium chloride, we recorded comparative densitometry of rigid contact lens materials using a small hydrometer or by liquid displacement. RESULTS: The method was sensitive enough to separate the polymethylmethacrylate, all silicon-methacrylates, and all but two fluorine-containing silicon-methacrylates. The hydrometer had a precision of three decimals rounded to the nearest 0.005. There was only one RGP product that could have been confused with the PMMA material. Most silicon-methacrylates had lower densities than fluorine containing silicon-methacrylates. Only four of 25 products under 1.117 gm/cm3 contained fluorine. CONCLUSIONS: Densitometry with a hydrometer is an effective non-destructive method to identify RGP materials and to verify their quality. The method is easier when lens blanks are tested, but in spite of differences in shape, size, and weight, densitometry may also be used with new or used contact lenses. Its simplicity and low cost makes densitometry feasible for any contact lens laboratory or clinic to use on a routine basis. Only silicon-methacrylates had an inverse relationship between density and oxygen permeability. As the silicon content of the contact lens increases, the Dk increases and the density decreases.

Biomedical and Dental Materials↗
PubMed2001

Pulse dye densitometry: a novel bedside monitor of circulating blood volume.

INTRODUCTION: Monitoring of circulating blood volume is important in the management of critically ill patients. Current methods of circulating blood volume measurements such as indicator dilution using radioisotopes or Evans blue dye are unsuitable for clinical application as these tests do not allow for frequent repeated measurements to be done. A direct bedside measurement of circulating blood volume using the principle of pulse dye densitometry was recently introduced. This is essentially an indicator dilution technique using indocyanine green combined with the principle of pulse spectrophotometry. METHODS: This paper aims to review this method of circulating blood volume measurement and provide a summary of the published clinical trials that compared its accuracy with the other conventional methods of circulating blood volume measurement, based on a Medline search, spanning the period 1966 to August 2000. RESULTS: Published studies show that pulse dye densitometry gives comparable results when compared to other conventional methods of blood volume measurement. Its ability to measure circulating blood volume accurately and repeatedly, as frequently as every 20 min makes it suitable for clinical application. CONCLUSION: Pulse dye densitometry provides for a rapid, semi-noninvasive and convenient bedside assessment of circulating blood volume that is applicable clinically. Further studies are needed to ascertain the impact of the use of pulse dye densitometry on the mortality and morbidity of the critically ill.

Blood Circulation↗
PubMedDate not supplied

Quantitative determination of phospholipids in a pharmaceutical drug by scanning and video densitometry.

This paper describes a convenient and practice method for quantitation of surfactant phospholipids (1,2-dipalmitoyl-3-sn-phosphatidyl choline [DPPC] and 1-palmitayl-2-oleyl-3-sn-phosphatidyl glycerol [POPG]) in a recombinant surfactant lyophile (Venticute) by high-performance, thin-layer chromatography (HPTLC) with video densitometry. DPPC and POPG were extracted from Venticute-lyophile using methanol. Separation from the other active ingredients and excipients was accomplished by HPTLC on silica gel F254 plates with a mixture of chloroform, methanol, glacial acetic acid, and water as development solvent. Postchromatographic derivatization by dipping in copper sulphate/phosphoric acid reagent and subsequent heating shows grey-brown bands on a light blue background. These were detected with the video densitometer in the VIS range, and with scanning densitometry at 365 nm. Linear calibration in a working range of 0.7-1.3 microg DPPC and 0.35-0.65 microg POPG was demonstrated by integrating the area under the peaks. Good results were obtained with recovery experiments. When compared to classical slit scanning densitometry, video densitometry represents a fast alternative to quantitate thin-layer chromatograms in surfactant phospholipid analysis.

1,2-Dipalmitoylphosphatidylcholine↗
PubMed2002

Clinical use of bone densitometry: scientific review.

CONTEXT: Osteoporosis causes substantial morbidity and costs $13.8 billion annually in the United States. Measurement of bone mass by densitometry is a primary part of diagnosing osteoporosis and deciding a preventive treatment course. Bone mineral densitometry has become more widely available and commonly used in practice. OBJECTIVE: To review evidence about the value of various clinical applications of bone densitometry. DATA SOURCES: A MEDLINE search was performed to update previous meta-analyses of the relationship between various measurements of bone density and risk of vertebral and hip fracture. We used data from the prospective Study of Osteoporotic Fractures to estimate risk of fracture from bone density and age in postmenopausal women. STUDY SELECTION AND DATA EXTRACTION: When available, meta-analyses and systematic reviews are emphasized in the review. DATA SYNTHESIS: Bone mineral density (BMD) predicts fracture and can be used in combination with age to estimate absolute risk of fractures in postmenopausal white women. Hip BMD predicts hip fracture more strongly than other measurements of BMD. There are insufficient data to translate BMD results into risk of fracture for men and nonwhite women. The benefits of treatments to prevent fractures depend on BMD: women with osteoporosis have a greater risk of fractures and greater benefit from treatments than women without osteoporosis. CONCLUSIONS: Guidelines based on systematic reviews and a cost-effectiveness analysis have suggested that it is worthwhile to measure BMD in white women older than 65 years and perhaps to use risk factors to select younger postmenopausal women for densitometry. Other potential clinical applications of BMD that have not yet been adequately studied include screening men or nonwhite women, monitoring BMD in patients receiving treatment, and using BMD to identify patients who should be evaluated for secondary causes of osteoporosis.

Absorptiometry, Photon↗
PubMed1996

Radiodense concretions in maxillary sinus aspergillosis: pathogenesis and the role of CT densitometry.

The purpose of this study was to investigate by CT the origin of radiodense maxillary sinus concretions and whether CT densitometry is effective in the prediction of maxillary sinus aspergillosis and in the differentiation of the origin of these concretions. In a prospective study in 21 patients with radiodense maxillary sinus concretions detected by radiography, a preoperative CT study of the paranasal sinuses and the concretions was undertaken. Additional scans of the upper alveolar ridge were also performed. Radiological findings were compared with clinical symptoms and with CT findings, especially CT densitometry of the sinus concretions and dental root-filling material. All patients underwent a functional Caldwell-Luc operation; histological and microbiological examinations were performed. Fifteen of the 21 patients (71.4%) with radiodense concretions had a histological and microbiological diagnosis of sinus aspergillosis. The sinus concretions had CT densities higher than 2000 HU (Hounsfield units) in 15 patients and lower than 2000 HU in 6. fourteen of 15 patients (93.3%) with concretions having CT densities higher than 2000 HU had a postoperative diagnosis of maxillary sinus aspergillosis. The mean CT density of the sinus concretions in patients with maxillary sinus aspergillosis was 2868 HU (range 1870-3070 HU), and in patients without aspergillosis was 778 HU (range 228-2644 HU). The mean CT density of the dental root-filling material was 2866 HU (range 2156-3070 HU). Paranasal sinus CT with CT densitometry of a sinus concretion has a higher accuracy than standard radiography and clinical findings in the prediction of maxillary sinus aspergillosis (93.3% vs 71.4%). CT densitometry helps to confirm the dental origin of maxillary sinus concretions and to explain a possible dental pathogenesis of maxillary sinus aspergillosis.

Adult↗
PubMed2003

Factors related to the use of bone densitometry: survey responses of 494 primary care physicians in New England.

Large population-based surveys have shown that approximately 30% of people over age 65 years have osteoporosis and that 17% of the population over 65 years will sustain a fracture during their lifetime. Many people with osteoporosis are never being evaluated even though effective treatments are available. We examined why primary care physicians order few bone mineral density scans. We conducted a cross-sectional survey of primary care physicians practicing in any of the six New England states. Target physician specialties included internal medicine, general practitioners/family physicians, and obstetrician-gynecologists who had a facsimile number listed with the American Medical Association. Demographics, practice characteristics, use of bone densitometry, and attitudes regarding osteoporosis, bone densitometry and health maintenance were assessed by questionnaire. Twelve percent (n=494) of the physicians responded to the questionnaire. Respondents were similar to non-respondents with respect to years of practice, training and geographical state, though they were more likely to be female (p < or =0.05). Respondents had a mean age of 51 years, and 51% were trained in internal medicine, 25% in general practice/family practice and 24% in obstetrics-gynecology. The mean number of self-reported bone densitometry referrals per month was 10+/-11, and 25% of respondents reported that they referred fewer than 4 patients per month. In adjusted logistic models, factors significantly associated with referring fewer than 4 patients per month were: training in internal medicine (odds ratio (OR) 2.0, 95% confidence interval (CI) 1.0-3.9) or general practice/family practice (OR 2.6, 95% CI 1.3-5.2) versus obstetrics-gynecology; practicing in an urban setting (OR 2.5, 95% CI 1.3-4.9) or rural/small town setting (OR 2.2, 95% CI 1.2-4.1) versus a suburban setting; spending less than 50% of professional time in patient care (OR 4.0, 95% CI 1.7-9.5); seeing the lowest proportion of postmenopausal women (OR 2.5., 95% CI 1.2-5.3); the belief that calcium and vitamin D are adequate to treat osteoporosis (OR 2.1, 95% CI 1.0-4.5); and the belief that osteoporosis treatment should not be based on bone density results (OR 3.2, 95% CI 1.7-6.1). Potentially modifiable physician beliefs and a number of practice characteristics are associated with low referral rates for bone densitometry. Educational strategies aimed at improving the use of bone density testing should consider these factors.

Absorptiometry, Photon↗
PubMed1999

Bone densitometry: a new, highly responsive region of interest in the distal forearm to monitor the effect of osteoporosis treatment.

The bisphosphonates have been introduced as alternatives to hormone replacement therapy (HRT) for the treatment and prevention of postmenopausal osteoporosis. The expected increasing application in at clinical practice demands cost-effective and easily handled methods to monitor the effect on bone. The weak response at the distal forearm during antiresorptive treatment has restricted the use of bone densitometry at this region. We describe a new model for bone densitometry at the distal forearm, by which the response obtained is comparable to the response in other regions where bone densitometry is much more expensive and technically complicated. By computerized iteration of single X-ray absorptiometry forearm scans we defined a region with 65% trabecular bone. The region was analyzed in randomized, double-masked, placebo- controlled trials: a 2-year trial with alendronate (n = 69), a 1-year trial with ibandronate (n = 141) and a 2-year trial with HRT (n = 121). Bone mineral density (BMD) at the distal forearm revealed a highly statistically significant dose-related response and increased 3-5% per year with 2.5 mg ibandronate, 10 mg alendronate or HRT, whereas the decrease in the placebo groups was 1-3% (p<0.001). The response at the distal forearm was similar to the response at the lumbar spine and hip. In conclusion, trabecular bone at the distal forearm is as responsive to antiresorptive treatment as trabecular bone in other skeletal regions. Bone densitometry at the new region of interest in the distal forearm has comparable performance characteristics to more expensive and technically demanding methods. The method is more accessible clinically and has potential as an alternative for monitoring bone mass changes during antiresorptive treatment.

Absorptiometry, Photon↗
PubMed2000

Bone mineral densitometry substantially influences health-related behaviors of postmenopausal women.

Although bone mineral density measurements are helpful in predicting future risk for osteoporotic fractures, there is limited information available on how the results of bone densitometry influence a woman's use of therapeutic alternatives. To assess the role of bone mineral densitometry in influencing postmenopausal women to change health behaviors associated with osteoporosis, we prospectively followed, for an average of 2.9 years, 701 postmenopausal women over 50 years of age referred to an osteoporosis prevention program in a large metropolitan area. Assessments included bone mineral densitometry by dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry (with classification of skeletal health), medical history, use of hormone replacement therapy, calcium intake, caffeine intake, exercise, smoking habits, and fall precaution measures. Women classified at baseline with moderate low bone mass were twice as likely (33%), and women with severe low bone mass more than three times as likely (47%) to start hormone replacement therapy compared with women with a normal result (13%, P < 0.001). This was true regardless of whether they had taken hormone replacement therapy in the past. Below-normal BMD was a strong predictor of a woman's initiation of hormone replacement therapy (OR 4.2; 95% CI 2.7-6.4; P < 0.05) even after adjustment for age, education, history of osteoporosis or fracture, and medical condition related to osteoporosis. Women with moderate or severe low bone mass were also much more likely to start calcium supplements (81-90% versus 67%), increase dietary calcium (71-82% versus 60%), decrease use of caffeine (44-60% versus 34%), start exercising (61-76% versus 52%), and quit smoking (22-24% versus 11%) relative to their behaviors prior to testing (P < 0.01). In conclusion, postmenopausal women report that the results of bone densitometry substantially influence the decision to begin hormone replacement therapy and calcium supplements, increase dietary calcium, decrease caffeine, increase exercise, decrease smoking, and take precautions to prevent falls. More studies are needed to measure the long-term effects of this influence.

Absorptiometry, Photon↗
PubMed2000

The use of bone densitometry in clinical practice.

Bone densitometry is an established method for the assessment of osteoporosis as, according to the definition of osteoporosis, an accurate determination of the level of bone mass is central to the diagnostic assessment of osteoporosis. The diversity of different bone densitometry techniques, however, needs to be acknowledged. The World Health Organization criteria of osteoporosis should not be used for peripheral measurements, and their application to subject groups other than white women is still controversial. A large variety of bone densitometry and quantitative ultrasound techniques can be used for fracture risk assessment. Their results should be interpreted in the context of other clinical examinations and can then be used in making treatment decisions. For monitoring purposes, the ratio of response rate and long-term precision error determines longitudinal sensitivity. For all of these applications, careful quality assurance procedures need to be implemented. If applied in a responsible fashion, bone densitometry represents a powerful approach that is indispensable for the assessment of osteoporosis.

Bone Density↗