Correlation of total-body bone mineral content determined by dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry with bone mineral density determined by peripheral quantitative computed tomography.
OBJECTIVE
We sought to determine the value of peripheral quantitative computed tomography (pQCT) in measuring bone mineral density.


METHODS
In 50 healthy, eugonodal premenopausal women, we correlated measurements of total bone mineral content (BMCTB), made with dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry (DXA), and bone mineral density, determined by pQCT.


RESULTS
The partial correlations, adjusted for weight and age, between BMCTB and cortical bone density, total bone density, and trabecular bone density were .71 (p < .0001), .63 (p < .0001), and .32 (p < .05), respectively.


CONCLUSIONS
These results and the advantages of pQCT--providing precise bone density determinations for trabecular and compact bone separately, having a high spatial resolution that allows a "compartmental" analysis of bone structure, having a low coefficient of variation, and having a minimal radiation dose (< 5 mrem)--confirm the adequacy of using this method for bone mass studies.
Revilla
M
M
Department of Medicine, Universidad de Alcalá de Henares, Madrid, Spain.
Cardenas
J L
JL
Hernández
E R
ER
Villa
L F
LF
Rico
H
H
D015502:Absorptiometry, Photon; D000328:Adult; D015519:Bone Density; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D017697:Premenopause; D014057:Tomography, X-Ray Computed