DEXA Data Interpretation & Reporting 4

Question 1

A DEXA report for a 68-year-old woman shows a lumbar spine BMD of 1.050 g/cm². However, the scan shows significant aortic calcification overlying L2 and L3. What is the appropriate action?

Accepted Answer

Exclude L2 and L3 from the analysis and report L1 and L4 only

Answer

Aortic calcification overlying vertebral levels artificially elevates BMD; affected vertebrae should be excluded and remaining levels used if at least two are valid.

Question 2

ISCD guidelines recommend that a minimum of how many lumbar vertebrae must be analyzable for a valid spine BMD result?

Accepted Answer

Two

Answer

ISCD states that at least two evaluable lumbar vertebrae are required to report a valid spine BMD result.

Question 3

On a pediatric DEXA report, which skeletal sites are recommended by ISCD for BMD assessment in children?

Accepted Answer

Lumbar spine (PA) and total body less head (TBLH)

Answer

ISCD recommends PA lumbar spine and total body less head (TBLH) as the primary sites for pediatric DXA, since hip norms for children are less robust.

Question 4

A serial DEXA comparison report references the patient's baseline scan performed on a different manufacturer's scanner. What is the recommended approach?

Accepted Answer

Cross-calibrate or use caution interpreting the comparison, as BMD values differ between manufacturers

Answer

BMD values are not interchangeable between manufacturers due to differences in bone edge detection algorithms and calibration; cross-calibration is required for valid comparisons.

Question 5

Which of the following findings on a DEXA scan report would most indicate the need for a Vertebral Fracture Assessment (VFA)?

Accepted Answer

Height loss of 1.5 inches or more since peak height

Answer

ISCD indications for VFA include historical height loss ≥1.5 inches, which suggests possible vertebral compression fractures.

(DEXA) DEXA Bone Density Scan Certification Practice Test

(DEXA) DEXA Bone Density Scan Certification Practice Test

DEXA Data Interpretation & Reporting 4