Introduction: The International Society of Clinical Densitometry recommends omitting lumbar vertebrae affected by structural artifact from spine BMD measurement. Since reporting fewer than 4 vertebrae reduces spine BMD precision, least significant change (LSC) needs to be adjusted upwards when reporting spine BMD change based on fewer than 4 vertebrae. Methodology: In order to simplify estimating LSC from combinations of vertebrae other than L1 -L4 (denoted LSCL1-4), we analyzed 879 DXA spine scan -pairs from the Manitoba BMD Program's ongoing precision evaluation. The additional impact on the LSC of performing the second scan on the same day vs different day was also assessed. Results: LSC progressively increased when fewer vertebrae were included, and also increased when the scans were performed on different days. We estimated that the LSCL1-4 should be adjusted upwards by 7 %, 24 % and 65 % to approximate the LSC for 3, 2, or 1 vertebral body, respectively. To additionally capture the greater LSC when the precision study was done on different days, LSCL1-4 derived from a precision study where scans were done on the same day should be adjusted upwards by 39 %, 60 % and 112 % for 3, 2, or 1 vertebral body, respectively. Conclusion: LSCL1-4 derived from a precision study where scans are performed on the same day can be used to estimate LSC for fewer than 4 vertebrae and for scans performed on different days.

Introduction : Change in bone mineral density (BMD) is considered significant when it exceeds the 95 % least significant change (LSC) derived from that facility's precision study. The lumbar spine is often affected by structural artifact such that not all four lumbar vertebrae are evaluable. Guidelines suggest using a sitematched LSC when omitting vertebrae from the BMD measurement. The current study describes significant BMD change related to intervening anti-osteoporosis treatment for different numbers and combinations of lumbar vertebrae using site-matched LSC values. Methodology : We identified 10,526 untreated adult women mean age 59.6 years with baseline and repeat spine BMD testing (mean interval 4.7 years) where all 4 lumbar vertebrae were evaluable. Change in spine BMD for different combinations of lumbar vertebrae was assessed in relation to intervening anti-resorptive treatment, contrasting women with high treatment exposure (medication possession ratio, MPR > 0.8) versus women who remained untreated. Site-matched LSC values were derived from 879 test-retest precision measurements. Results : There was consistent linear trend between increasing MPR and BMD change exceeding the LSC for all lumbar vertebral combinations, positive with BMD increase and negative with BMD decrease (all p -trend < 0.001). In the high treatment exposure group, mean percent increases in spine BMD were similar for all vertebral combinations, from L1-4 to a single vertebra. In untreated women, mean percent decreases in spine BMD were also similar for all vertebral combinations. The net treatment response (proportion of women with treatment-concordant changes minus proportion with treatment-discordant changes exceeding the LSC) was 29.7 % for 4 vertebrae, 27.5-30.0 % for 3 vertebrae, 22.4-28.5 % for 2 vertebrae, and 18.1-21.9 % for a single vertebra. Conclusions : All numbers and combinations of lumbar vertebrae, when used in conjunction with sitematched LSC values, can provide clinically meaningful follow-up in treated and untreated patients, even when spine BMD is based on a single vertebral body.

Introduction: Only change in bone mineral density (BMD) on repeat DXA that exceeds the 95% least significant change (LSC) should be considered clinically meaningful. Frequently lumbar spine DXA must be reported after omitting vertebrae with localized structural artifact, which reduces measurement precision. Previous reports have raised concerns of higher least significant change (LSC) when spine BMD is based on non-contiguous rather than contiguous vertebrae. The current study was performed to compare lumbar spine LSC and BMD response to intervening anti-osteoporosis medication use from non-contiguous versus contiguous vertebrae.Methodology: LSCs for lumbar spine DXA based on L1-L4 and all combinations of non-contiguous and contiguous vertebrae were calculated using 879 scan-pairs from the Manitoba BMD Program. We compared BMD change from these regions, overall and in relation to intervening anti-osteoporosis medication use, in 11,722 patients who had 2 DXA examinations.Results: LSCs were slightly greater when calculated from combinations of fewer than 4 vertebrae, but there was no meaningful difference between contiguous versus non-contiguous vertebrae. There were consistently high correlations between lumbar spine BMD change from L1-L4 and all combinations of continuous and non-contiguous vertebrae (all Pearson r≥ 0.9, p<0.001). Percentage changes in spine BMD and the fraction with treatment-concordant change exceeding the LSC were similar using contiguous or non-contiguous vertebrae.Conclusions: Lumbar spine BMD change can be assessed from 2 or 3 non-contiguous vertebrae when clinically necessary, and precision in such cases is similar to using contiguous vertebrae. Non-contiguous vertebrae can detect treatment-concordant changes similar in spine BMD to contiguous vertebrae.

Introduction: Professional guidance and standards assist radiologic interpreters in generating high quality reports. Initially DXA reporting Official Positions were provided by the ISCD in 2003; however, as the field has progressed, some of the current recommendations require revision and updating. This manuscript details the research approach and provides updated DXA reporting guidance. Methods: Key Questions were proposed by ISCD established protocols and approved by the Position Development Conference Steering Committee. Literature related to each question was accumulated by searching PubMed, and existing guidelines from other organizations were extracted from websites. Modifications and additions to the ISCD Official Positions were determined by an expert panel after reviewing the Task Force proposals and position papers. Results: Since most DXA is now performed in radiology departments, an approach was endorsed that better aligns with standard radiologic reports. To achieve this, reporting elements were divided into required minimum or optional. Collectively, required components comprise a standard diagnostic report and are considered the minimum necessary to generate an acceptable report. Additional elements were retained and categorized as optional. These optional components were considered relevant but tailored to a consultative, clinically oriented report. Although this information is beneficial, not all interpreters have access to sufficient clinical information, or may not have the clinical expertise to expand beyond a diagnostic report. Consequently, these are not required for an acceptable report. Conclusion: These updated ISCD positions conform with the DXA field's evolution over the past 20 years. Specifically, a basic diagnostic report better aligns with radiology standards, and additional elements (which are valued by treating clinicians) remain acceptable but are optional and not required. Additionally, reporting guidance for newer elements such as fracture risk assessment are incorporated. It is our expectation that these updated Official Positions will improve compliance with required standards and generate high quality DXA reports that are valuable to the recipient clinician and contribute to best patient care.

The precision for spine bone mineral density (BMD) worsens as vertebrae are excluded, so recommendations are needed for least significant change (LSC) for spine BMDs based on fewer than 4 vertebrae. The task force recommends re-analysis of each facility's L1-L4 in-house precision study to determine the precision in order to calculate the LSC for each combination of 2 or 3 reported vertebrae. The task force recommended not reporting spine BMDs based on single vertebral bodies for either the diagnosis or monitoring of osteoporosis. Specific data for studies assessing the precision of two non-contiguous vertebrae are mixed, but ultimately the task force recommended that spine BMD based on 2 non-contiguous vertebrae can be used for the diagnosis and monitoring of osteoporosis.

Incomplete atypical femur fractures (iAFFs) are associated with the long-term use of anti-resorptive therapies. Although X-rays are typically used to screen for iAFFs, images from dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry (DXA) offer an alternate method for detecting iAFFs. Although a previous 2019 ISCD Official Position on this subject exists, our task force aimed to update the literature review and to propose recommendations on reporting findings related to iAFFs that may be observed on DXA images. The task force recommended that full-length femur imaging (FFI) from DXA can be used as a screening tool for iAFFs. The presence of focal lateral cortical thickening and transverse lucencies should be reported, if identified on the FFI. This task force proposed a classification system to determine the likelihood of an iAFF, based on radiographic features seen on the FFI. Lastly, the task force recommended that the clinical assessment of prodromal symptoms (pain) is not required for the assessment of FFI.

An initial bone mineral density (BMD) measurement is used to diagnose osteoporosis and decide whether patients need treatment, but the utility of repeating this test in those on treatment or on a drug holiday (ie, during a pause in bisphosphonate treatment) is controversial. Here, we present evidence for and against the use of BMD monitoring in patients receiving antiresorptive therapy or on a drug holiday, and give our recommendations, arguing against a one-size-fits-all approach.

Introduction: This position development conference (PDC) Task Force examined the use and reporting of bilateral hip bone mineral density (BMD) measurements. This was deemed appropriate as increased availability of Dual-energy X-ray Absorptiometry (DXA) technology offering bilateral hip measurement resulted in more routine clinical use. The International Society for Clinical Densitometry Official Positions accept bilateral hip BMD measurement for clinical use but currently do not include recommendations for reporting those studies. Methods: Four key questions regarding bilateral hip reporting were proposed by the PDC Steering Committee. Relevant literature was identified using PubMed. Questions included whether bilateral hip measurements are appropriate for diagnostic classification or monitoring, as well as which bilateral hip regions of interest should be reported for diagnosis and monitoring. Additionally, the appropriate nomenclature for bilateral hip acquisition was defined. Results: The literature review demonstrated that bilateral hip measurement is appropriate and diagnostic classification should be based on the lowest T-score at the right or left side femoral neck or total hip; the mean T-score should not be used for diagnostic purposes. Mean bilateral total hip is preferred for BMD monitoring. The terms hip, or total hip were deemed appropriate nomenclature instead of femur or total proximal femur. Conclusion: Bilateral hip acquisition is clinically appropriate and reporting and nomenclature standards are offered herein when a bilateral hip study is acquired. In terms of future research, the impact of discordant hips on diagnosis and monitoring was identified as a significant knowledge gap.

Background/objectiveTo report a rare case of ectopic parathyroid hormone (PTH) secretion from poorly-differentiated adenocarcinoma and the lessons learned in management.Case reportA 54-year-old woman presented with fatigue, hip pain, and confusion. Workup revealed calcium of 16.9 mg/dl (N: 8.5–10.3 mg/dl), PTH of 981 pg/ml (N: 15–65 pg/ml), and parathyroid hormone-related peptide (PTHrP) of 20 pmol/L (N: 14–27 pmol/L). Parathyroid four-dimensional computed tomography was unrevealing. Magnetic resonance cholangiopancreatography demonstrated innumerable hepatic lesions. Biopsy of the liver and pubic ramus revealed poorly differentiated adenocarcinoma of unknown origin with acinar cell differentiation and focal PTH positivity.Initial treatment with intravenous bisphosphonates and cinacalcet showed a poor response. Calcitonin had a short-lived response. Although chemotherapy significantly improved calcium levels, she was unable to tolerate chemotherapy. Despite a rise in PTH from 196 to 674 pg/ml, denosumab improved calcium levels from 13 to 9.7 mg/dl. She expired due to a cardiac arrest.DiscussionPTH secretion from tumors with acinar cell differentiation outside of the pancreas has not been described. Cinacalcet was ineffective and it is doubtful that the malignant cells had calcium-sensing receptors. Calcitonin was effective initially, but she eventually developed tachyphylaxis. Use of denosumab later in the treatment course has resulted in significant improvement in calcium despite worsening PTH levels.ConclusionDenosumab is effective in the treatment of paraneoplastic PTH-mediated hypercalcemia and should be considered in patients who have resistance to bisphosphonate therapy.

The World Health Organization criteria for osteoporosis state that patients with a T-score of <−2.5 should be considered to have osteoporosis because of skeletal fragility. The International Society for Clinical Densitometry (ISCD) suggested applying these criteria only to men aged >50 years and to postmenopausal women. 1 Leslie W.D. Adler R.A. El-Hajj Fuleihan G. et al. Application of the 1994 WHO classification to populations other than postmenopausal Caucasian women: the 2005 ISCD Official Positions. J Clin Densitom. 2006; 9: 22-30 Crossref PubMed Scopus (107) Google Scholar It is instructive to consider the reasons for the ISCD position. Effect of Bisphosphonates on Fracture Incidence in Young Adults With Low Bone DensityEndocrine Practice Vol. 27Issue 10PreviewTo assess the effect of bisphosphonates on fracture incidence in young adults over a 5-year follow-up period. Full-Text PDF

Background: Large changes in positioning of the global region of interest (ROI) influence the measurement of bone mineral density (BMD) in the hip and forearm regions. However, it is unknown whether minor shifts in the positioning of the bottom of the global hip ROI affect the measurement of total hip BMD. Methods: The hip BMDs of 40 clinical densitometry patients were analyzed at baseline with the bottom of the global hip ROI positioned as usual, 10 mm distal to the base of the lesser trochanter (position 0). Then the hip was reanalyzed by shifting the bottom of the global hip ROI 1 mm proximally 10 times (positions +1 through +10) and then by shifting the bottom of the global hip ROI 1 mm distally 10 times (positions -1 through -10). The significance of the differences between mean values at the various distances from baseline was assessed using a Wilcoxon signed rank test. Results: The mean total hip area, bone mineral content and BMD decreased as the bottom of the global hip ROI was shifted proximally; the decrease was significant when shifted by even 1 mm (p < 0.001). The mean total hip area, bone mineral content and BMD increased as the bottom of the global hip ROI was shifted distally; the increase was significant when shifted by even 1 mm (p < 0.001). The change in BMD with each 1 mm shift was uniform across the range studied from positions +10 through -10, and was approx 0.54%/mm. When the least significant change was based on 40 pairs of measurements, where each pair was comprised of the baseline scan and the same scan at -1 position, the least significant change was 0.01 g/cm(2). Conclusions: The BMD of the total hip is sensitive to even minor changes in the positioning of the bottom of the global hip ROI. Although a 1 mm change in the bottom of the global hip ROI positioning would make little difference in the reported T-score, it could easily affect the determination of significance in changes in BMD over time.

Bisphosphonates constitute a class of drugs that act primarily act by inhibition of bone resorption. These agents are widely used in the treatment calcium and bone metabolic disorders including osteoporosis, Paget's disease, hypercalcemia, and metastatic bone disease. This article will provide an overview of the pharmacology of these compounds.

Abstract Background: Brown tumors are a part of the complex “osteitis fibrosa cystica” which is a diffuse resorptive process of the bone resulting from uncontrolled hyperparathyroidism. Although these brown tumors were fairly common in the past1, the incidence of brown tumors is now extremely rare in the United States due to early diagnosis and treatment of hyperparathyroidism. Here we describe an unusual presentation for osteitis fibrosa cystica. Clinical Case: A 38 year old woman was admitted to the hospital with rapidly growing facial swelling in June 2019. The swelling initially appeared in January 2019 and had rapidly increased in size since April 2019. The mass was malodorous, painful and interfered with oral intake. The patient smoked 1 pack per day for 13 years. A CT scan of the head and neck with contrast showed a 3.6 x 4.5 x 3.3 cm mass destroying the right mandibular body, involving the right platysma muscle and displacing the central and lateral incisor teeth and was concerning for malignancy. The initial impression was that this was likely a squamous cell carcinoma with local and perhaps distant metastases, complicated by humoral hypercalcemia of malignancy and she was admitted for management. Upon admission, her calcium level was 14 mg/dL, albumin 4.1 g/dL, phosphorus 1.4 mg/dL PTH level was 890 pg/mL and vitamin D level was 22 ng/mL. Since the high PTH did not fit with hypercalcemia of malignancy, further evaluation was undertaken. A thyroid ultrasound showed a 4.6 x 1.8 x 1.5 cm isoechoic, heterogeneous lesion in the left lower pole, and Tc-99 sestamibi scan suggested parathyroid origin. The biopsy of the mouth lesion showed fibro histiocytic proliferation with multiple giant cells, negative for malignancy and consistent with a brown tumor. CT scan of the chest, abdomen and pelvis did not reveal any other masses or lytic lesions. . A skeletal survey showed another 2 cm lytic lesion in the proximal left humeral metaphysis which was not biopsied. On parathyroidectomy, the patient was found to have an enlarged left inferior parathyroid gland measuring 3.3 x 3.0 x 0.8 cm weighing 7.093 grams. Intraoperatively PTH level decreased from 890 pg/mL to 69 pg/mL. Her calcium levels returned to normal post-operatively and she was discharged home. Pathologic examination report revealed the mass to be a parathyroid adenoma. The patient reports a reduction in the size of her mandible mass since the surgery. Conclusion: Although uncommon, brown tumors can be seen in uncontrolled primary hyperparathyroidism. The mandible is a common site, though, as in this case, it is less common for it to be the only site affected Reference: 1. Rosenberg, E. H. (1962). Hyperparathyroidism. A review of 220 proved cases with special emphasis on findings in the jaws. Oral Surg Oral Med Oral Pathol Oral Radiol Endod, 15(2), 84–94.

To answer important questions in the fields of monitoring with densitometry, dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry machine cross-calibration, monitoring, spinal cord injury, periprosthetic and orthopedic bone health, transgender medicine, and pediatric bone health, the International Society for Clinical Densitometry (ISCD) held a Position Development Conference from March 20 to 23, 2019. Potential topics requiring guidance were solicited from ISCD members in 2017. Following that, a steering committee selected, prioritized, and grouped topics into Task Forces. Chairs for each Task Force were appointed and the members were co-opted from suggestions by the Steering Committee and Task Force Chairs. The Task Forces developed key questions, performed literature searches, and came up with proposed initial positions with substantiating draft publications, with support from the Steering Committee. An invited Panel of Experts first performed a review of draft positions using a modified RAND Appropriateness Method with voting for appropriateness. Draft positions deemed appropriate were further edited and presented at the Position Development Conference meeting in an open forum. A second round of voting occurred after discussions to approve or reject the positions. Finally, a face-to-face closed session with experts and Task Force Chairs, and subsequent electronic follow-up resulted in 34 Official Positions of the ISCD approved by the ISCD Board on May 28, 2019. The Official Positions and the supporting evidence were submitted for publication on July 1, 2019. This paper provides a summary of the all the ISCD Adult and Pediatric Official Positions, with the new 2019 positions highlighted in bold.

Calcitriol excess is a less common cause of hypercalcemia than hyperparathyroidism. While its primary mechanism is thought to be increased intestinal calcium absorption, accelerated bone resorption contributes as well. The mechanism is presumably through a molecular interaction between the receptor activator of NF-κB ligand/osteoprotegerin ligand on marrow stromal cells and receptor activator of NF-κB on osteoclast precursors. It is this component of increased bone resorprtion that is addressed by bisphosphonates. A 77 year old woman with remote history of non-small cell lung cancer status post left lower lobe lobectomy presented with dry mouth, polyuria, 11 pound weight loss in 6 months, fatigue and calcium of 14.7. Examination was unremarkable. Laboratory evaluation included creatinine of 1.4 mg/dl, parathyroid hormone low at 19 pg/ml, 25 hydroxyvitamin D normal at 47 ng/ml, normal kappa/lambda and serum and urine protein electrophoresis, parathyroid hormone-related protein normal at 15 pg/ml, and 1,25 dihydroxyvitamin D was high at 89 pg/ml. A search commenced for the source, during which time hypercalcemia recurred despite strict low-calcium diet and IVF. PET-CT showed innumerable foci of increased uptake in the skeleton and lymph node biopsy revealed grade 3A follicular lymphoma. She received Zoledronic acid 5 mg IV and normocalcemia was maintained thereafter, without any diagnosis-specific treatment for >3 months. She was subsequently started on Rituxan and Bendamustine.This case demonstrates a patient with calcitriol-induced recurrent hypercalcemia from a follicular lymphoma who achieved normalization and subsequent stabilization of serum calcium levels following administration of bisphosphonate. Hypercalcemia due to calcitriol excess is usually managed acutely with intravenous fluid administration and dietary calcium restriction. Second-line agents such as steroids and ketoconazole can also be used, but these interventions alone have side effects and were contraindicated in our case, while the patient was being evaluated for causes of calcitriol excess which would have been masked by the steroids. There is evidence supporting the role of bone resorption in the genesis of hypercalcaemia in vitamin D intoxication and the rapid response of hypercalcaemia to treatment with bisphosphonates. The first choice for calcitriol-induced hypercalcemia is treating the underlying cause. Bisphosphonates are, however, useful until a diagnosis is made, as they may be safer than steroids and can provide rapid relief even with a single treatment, with minimal side effects.

The indications for initial and follow-up bone mineral density (BMD) in transgender and gender nonconforming (TGNC) individuals are poorly defined, and the choice of which gender database to use to calculate Z-scores is unclear. Herein, the findings of the Task Force are presented after a detailed review of the literature. As long as a TGNC individual is on standard gender-affirming hormone treatment, BMD should remain stable to increasing, so there is no indication to monitor for bone loss or osteoporosis strictly on the basis of TGNC status. TGNC individuals who experience substantial periods of hypogonadism (>1 yr) might experience bone loss or failure of bone accrual during that time, and should be considered for baseline measurement of BMD. To the extent that this hypogonadism continues over time, follow-up measurements can be appropriate. TGNC individuals who have adequate levels of endogenous or exogenous sex steroids can, of course, suffer from other illnesses that can cause osteoporosis and bone loss, such as hyperparathyroidism and steroid use; they should have measurement of BMD as would be done in the cisgender population. There are no data that TGNC individuals have a fracture risk different from that of cisgender individuals, nor any data to suggest that BMD predicts their fracture risk less well than in the cisgender population. The Z-score in transgender individuals should be calculated using the reference data (mean and standard deviation) of the gender conforming with the individual's gender identity. In gender nonconforming individuals, the reference data for the sex recorded at birth should be used. If the referring provider or the individual requests, a set of “male” and “female” Z-scores can be provided, calculating the Z-score against male and female reference data, respectively.

OBJECTIVE:Calcitriol excess is a less common cause of hypercalcemia than hyperparathyroidism. Hypercalcemia due to calcitriol excess is usually managed acutely with intravenous (IV) fluid administration and dietary calcium restriction. Steroids and ketoconazole are second-line agents. There is evidence supporting the role of bone resorption in the genesis of hypercalcemia in vitamin D intoxication and for a rapid response of hypercalcemia to treatment with bisphosphonates. We seek to demonstrate the utility of bisphosphonates in calcitriol-induced hypercalcemia (CIH).METHODS:We present the case of a patient with recurrent CIH from a follicular lymphoma who achieved normalization and subsequent stabilization of serum calcium levels following bisphosphonate administration.RESULTS:A 77-year-old woman with a history of non-small cell lung cancer was admitted with dry mouth, polyuria, weight loss, and fatigue. She was found to have a calcium level of 14.7 mg/dL (normal range is 8.5 to 10.2 mg/dL), 25-hydroxyvitamin D of 47 ng/mL (normal range is 30 to 60 ng/mL), 1,25-dihydroxyvitamin D of 89 pg/mL (normal range is 18 to 72 pg/mL), and parathyroid hormone of 19 pg/mL (normal range is 15 to 65 pg/mL), which recurred despite treatment with IV fluids and strict low-calcium diet. She received 5 mg of IV zoledronic acid and normocalcemia was maintained thereafter, without any diagnosis-specific treatment for >3 months. Positron emission tomography with computed tomography eventually showed new innumerable foci of increased uptake in the skeleton and lymph node biopsy revealed grade 3A follicular lymphoma.CONCLUSION:The first choice for CIH is treating the underlying cause. Bisphosphonates are, however, useful until a diagnosis is made, as they may be safer than steroids and can provide rapid relief even with a single treatment with minimal side effects.

ObjectiveThe study aimed to investigate the association between BMI, waist circumference, and vertebral fracture (VF) risk in women.MethodsThis prospective study was conducted in 54,934 Nurses’ Health Study participants. BMI was assessed biennially, and waist circumference was assessed in the year 2000. Self‐reports of VF were confirmed by record review. BMI reflects lean body mass, and waist circumference reflects abdominal adiposity when included in the same regression model.ResultsThis study included 536 VF cases (2002 to 2014). Compared with women with BMI of 21.0 to 24.9 kg/m2, the multivariable‐adjusted relative risk (RR) of VF for women with BMI ≥ 32.0 was 0.84 (95% CI: 0.61‐1.14; Ptrend = 0.08). After further adjustment for waist circumference, the multivariable‐adjusted RR of VF for women with BMI ≥ 32.0 was 0.70 (95% CI: 0.49‐0.98; Ptrend = 0.003). Compared with women with waist circumference < 71.0 cm, the multivariable‐adjusted RR of VF for women with waist circumference ≥ 108.0 cm was 1.76 (95% CI: 1.06‐2.92; Ptrend = 0.01), and after further adjustment for BMI, the multivariable‐adjusted RR of VF was 2.49 (95% CI: 1.44‐4.33; Ptrend < 0.001).ConclusionsGreater lean body mass was independently associated with lower VF risk. Larger waist circumference was independently associated with higher VF risk. These findings suggest that fat distribution is an important predictor of VF and that avoiding central adiposity, as well as maintaining muscle mass, may potentially confer reduced risk of VF in older women.

Inconsistent positioning of patients and region of interest (ROI) is known to influence the precision of bone mineral density (BMD) measurements in the spine and hip. However, it is unknown whether minor shifts in the positioning of the ROI along the shaft of the radius affect the measurement of forearm BMD and its subregions. The ultradistal (UD-), mid-, one-third, and total radius BMDs of 50 consecutive clinical densitometry patients were acquired. At baseline the distal end of the ROI was placed at the tip of the ulnar styloid as usual, and then the forearm was reanalyzed 10 more times, each time shifting the ROI 1 mm proximally. No corrections for multiple comparisons were necessary since the differences that were significant were significant at p < 0.001. The UD-radius BMD increased as the ROI was shifted proximally; the increase was significant when shifted even 1 mm proximally (p < 0.001). These same findings held true for the mid- and total radius bone density, though the percent increase with moving proximally was significantly greater for the UD radius than for the other subregions. However, there was no significant change in the one-third radius BMD when shifted proximally 1-10 mm. Minor proximal shifts of the forearm ROI substantially affect the BMD of the UD-, mid- and total radius, while having no effect on the one-third radius BMD. Since the one-third radius is the only forearm region usually reported, minor proximal shifts of the ROI should not influence forearm BMD results significantly.

The few prospective studies examining the relation between proton pump inhibitor (PPI) use and risk of vertebral fracture (VF) suggest a higher risk, but the magnitude of the association has been inconsistent. Moreover, no prospective studies have examined the association between substantially longer duration of PPI use and VF risk. Our objective was to determine the association between PPI use, H 2 RA use, and incident clinical VF in women. We conducted a prospective study in 55,545 women participating in the Nurses’ Health Study. PPI and H 2 RA use was assessed by questionnaire every 4 years. Self-reports of VF were confirmed by medical record. Our analysis included 547 incident VF cases (2002–2014). The multivariate adjusted relative risk (MVRR) of VF for women taking PPIs was 1.29 (95% CI 1.04–1.59) compared with non-users. Longer duration of PPI use was associated with higher VF risk (MVRR 1.16 [0.90–1.49] for < 4 years; 1.27 [0.93–1.73] for 4–7.9 years; 1.64 [1.02–2.64] for ≥ 8 years; p trend = 0.01). The MVRR of VF for women taking H 2 RAs was 1.22 (0.90–1.67) compared with non-users. Longer duration of H 2 RA use was not associated with VF risk (MVRR 1.16 [0.88–1.53] for < 4 years; 0.98 [0.60–1.59] for ≥ 4 years; p trend = 0.72). PPI use is independently associated with a modestly higher risk of VF and the risk increases with longer duration of use. There was no statistically significant association between H 2 RA use and VF risk. Our findings add to the growing evidence suggesting caution with PPI use, particularly with longer duration of use.