Association of lumbar fractures, abdominal aortic calcification, and osteopenia

Clin Imaging. 2015 Jul-Aug;39(4):662-6. doi: 10.1016/j.clinimag.2014.11.021. Epub 2014 Dec 12.

Abstract

Purpose: The purpose was to assess if abdominal aortic calcification (AAC) and low bone mineral density (BMD) are associated with fractures on lumbar spine radiographs in trauma patients.

Methods: Retrospectively, 303 consecutive lumbar radiographs were independently reviewed by two radiologists for AAC, low BMD, and traumatic findings.

Results: Thirty-one percent of patients had low BMD, 34% had AAC, and 24% had both. Eleven percent of radiographs showed traumatic findings. Seventy-six percent of positive cases had low BMD (P<.001), and 64% had AAC (P<.001).

Conclusion: A higher index of suspicion for fractures is warranted when AAC and low BMD are present.

Keywords: Aortic calcifications; Emergency department; Lumbar spine; Osteoporosis; Vertebral fracture.

MeSH terms

  • Adult
  • Aged
  • Aged, 80 and over
  • Aortic Diseases / complications
  • Aortic Diseases / diagnostic imaging*
  • Bone Density / physiology*
  • Bone Diseases, Metabolic / complications
  • Bone Diseases, Metabolic / diagnostic imaging*
  • Calcinosis / complications
  • Calcinosis / diagnostic imaging*
  • Female
  • Humans
  • Lumbar Vertebrae / diagnostic imaging
  • Lumbar Vertebrae / injuries*
  • Male
  • Middle Aged
  • Radiography
  • Spinal Fractures / complications
  • Spinal Fractures / diagnostic imaging*