Can low-dose computed tomographic scan of the spine replace conventional radiography? An evaluation based on imaging myelomas, bone metastases, and fractures from osteoporosis.
We evaluated and compared the radiological images of the spine of 111 patients affected by myeloma, bone metastases, and fractures secondary to osteoporosis demonstrated in low-dose computed tomographic (CT) scans and those demonstrated in conventional radiographic studies. From the analysis of the data obtained, it appears that the duration of the CT procedure is definitely shorter and that its diagnostic sensitivity is superior to that of conventional radiography. We should mention that the dose of radiation delivered by CT scanning does not constitute an unfavorable element in patients, usually elderly, for whom CT scanning was indicated.
Chassang
Madleen
M
Service d'imagerie diagnostique et interventionelle, Hôpital l'Archet 2, 151 route de Saint Antoine de Ginestière, BP 3079, F-06200 Nice Cedex 3, France. madleenc@yahoo.fr
Grimaud
Anne
A
Cucchi
J M
JM
Novellas
Sébastien
S
Amoretti
Nicolas
N
Chevallier
Patrick
P
Bruneton
Jean Noël
JN
D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D000369:Aged, 80 and over; D001859:Bone Neoplasms / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging* / Q000556:secondary*; D002985:Clinical Protocols / Q000592:standards; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D009101:Multiple Myeloma / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging* / Q000473:pathology; D010024:Osteoporosis / Q000150:complications*; D012189:Retrospective Studies; D012680:Sensitivity and Specificity; D016103:Spinal Fractures / Q000150:complications / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging*; D013131:Spine / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging*; D013997:Time Factors; D014057:Tomography, X-Ray Computed