Affiliation:
1. Radiology
2. Spinal Surgery, Honghui Hospital Affiliated Xi'an Jiaotong University, Xi'an, China.
Abstract
Objectives
This study aimed to quantify the degeneration of the vertebral body and paravertebral muscles using dual-energy computed tomography (DECT) and study its relationship with osteoporosis.
Methods
A total of 130 patients with chronic low back pain were included in this study, and DECT scanning of the lumbar region was undertaken prospectively. By placing a standard quantitative computed tomography corrected phantom under the waist during the DECT procedure, bone mineral density (BMD) and the following quantitative parameters were obtained: calcium density (CaD), vertebral fat fraction (VFF), psoas major area, psoas major fat fraction, erector spinalis area, and erector spinalis fat fraction (ESFF). Independent sample t test and 1-way analysis of variance were used between different age-BMD groups. Pearson test was applied to determine correlations for all measurements, and a mathematical model of BMD was established through regression analysis.
Results
Calcium density, VFF, psoas major area, psoas major fat fraction, erector spinalis area, and ESFF were significantly different among the age-BMD groups (P < 0.05), and BMD was significantly correlated with these parameters (P < 0.05). Calcium density, VFF, and ESFF were included in the BMD regression equation: BMD = 69.062 + 11.637 × CaD − 1.018 × VFF − 0.726 × ESFF (R
2 = 0.860, F = 125.979, P < 0.001).
Conclusions
Degeneration of the vertebral body and paravertebral muscles can be quantitatively analyzed using DECT, and CaD, VFF, and ESFF were independent influencing factors of BMD.
Publisher
Ovid Technologies (Wolters Kluwer Health)
Subject
Radiology, Nuclear Medicine and imaging