Quantitative Study of Vertebral Body and Paravertebral Muscle Degeneration Based on Dual-Energy Computed Tomography: Correlation With Bone Mineral Density

ObjectivesThis study aimed to quantify the degeneration of the vertebral body and paravertebral muscles using dual-energy computed tomography (DECT) and study its relationship with osteoporosis.MethodsA total of 130 patients with chronic low back pain were included in this study, and DECT scanning of the lumbar region was undertaken prospectively. By placing a standard quantitative computed tomography corrected phantom under the waist during the DECT procedure, bone mineral density (BMD) and the following quantitative parameters were obtained: calcium density (CaD), vertebral fat fraction (VFF), psoas major area, psoas major fat fraction, erector spinalis area, and erector spinalis fat fraction (ESFF). Independent sample t test and 1-way analysis of variance were used between different age-BMD groups. Pearson test was applied to determine correlations for all measurements, and a mathematical model of BMD was established through regression analysis.ResultsCalcium density, VFF, psoas major area, psoas major fat fraction, erector spinalis area, and ESFF were significantly different among the age-BMD groups (P < 0.05), and BMD was significantly correlated with these parameters (P < 0.05). Calcium density, VFF, and ESFF were included in the BMD regression equation: BMD = 69.062 + 11.637 x CaD - 1.018 x VFF - 0.726 x ESFF (R-2 = 0.860, F = 125.979, P < 0.001).ConclusionsDegeneration of the vertebral body and paravertebral muscles can be quantitatively analyzed using DECT, and CaD, VFF, and ESFF were independent influencing factors of BMD.