Longitudinal Association between L1 Trabecular Attenuation from Chest Computed Tomography (CT) and Bone Mineral Density from Dualenergy X-ray Absorptiometry (DXA)

Abstract

Background: Many studies have shown that vertebral trabecular attenuation measured on CT scan corresponds well to DXA results for bone mineral density. These studies were based on crosssectional data. Hence, there were limitations in explaining the constantly changing vertebral trabecular attenuation from CT and T-score from DXA over time.

Objective: This study aimed to determine the longitudinal association between the vertebral trabecular attenuation measured on computed tomography (CT) and the T-score measured by dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry (DXA).

Methods: We performed a database search for 333 patients who underwent surgery for breast cancer, preoperative treatment, and at least one follow-up chest CT and DXA from January, 2013 through May, 2021. One musculoskeletal radiologist measured the mean vertebral trabecular attenuation of lumbar vertebra 1(L1) on axial unenhanced images at the pedicle level by manually placing the region of interest (ROI). DXA of the lumbar spine was performed, and the lowest T-score of the lumbar spine was used for the analysis. We evaluated the association between L1 trabecular attenuation from chest CT and T-score from DXA over time using the generalized estimating equations (GEE) model to analyze longitudinal corrected data.

Results: A total of 150 women (mean age, 52.4 ± 11.0 years) were included. There was a statistically significant association between L1 trabecular attenuation from chest CT and T-score from DXA in the unadjusted model (p < 0.001) and adjusted model (p < 0.001). T-score value increased by 0.172 (95% confidence interval (CI): 0.145-0.200, p < 0.001) per 10 unit (HU) of L1 trabecular attenuation at time = 0 in unadjusted model and by 0.173 (95% CI: 0.143-0.203, p < 0.001) in all adjusted model.

Conclusion: We demonstrated that L1 attenuation from chest CT images was longitudinally associated with T-score from DXA, and the degree of association appeared to be decreased over time in breast cancer patients regardless of their medical condition.

Keywords: Chest Computed Tomography (CT); Dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry (DXA); ROI; T-score; breast cancer; vertebral trabecular attenuation.