JRM
Journal of Radiology in Medicine

Journal of Radiology in Medicine is an international journal that published original research and articles in all areas of radiology. Its publishes original research articles, review articles, case reports, editorial commentaries, letters to the editor, educational articles, and conference/meeting announcements.

eISSN: 3023-6487
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Original Article
Opportunistic screening for the presence of vertebral fractures using L1 trabecular bone density on non-contrast chest CT
Abstract
Aims: To evaluate the effectiveness of opportunistic screening using L1 trabecular density on non-contrast chest CT for identifying the presence of vertebral fractures.
Methods: This retrospective cross-sectional study included 385 adult patients (≥40 years) who underwent non-contrast chest CT. L1 trabecular attenuation was measured at the mid-vertebral level. Vertebral compression fractures were assessed. The diagnostic performance of L1 hounsfield unit (HU) and clinical variables was evaluated using regression and ROC analyses.
Results: Vertebral fractures were found in 137 patients (35.6%). Mean L1 density was significantly lower in the fracture group (71.2±35.1 HU) compared to the non-fracture group (134.4±36.6 HU, p<0.001). L1 HU showed a strong inverse correlation with age (r=-0.952). ROC analysis for L1 HU yielded an AUC of 0.882. An optimal threshold of 94 HU demonstrated 86.9% sensitivity and 89.1% specificity.
Conclusion: L1 trabecular attenuation on routine non-contrast chest CT serves as a useful opportunistic screening tool associated with the presence of vertebral fractures.

Keywords : Osteoporosis, osteoporotic fractures, computed tomography, mass screening, bone density

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Article available in :
Volume 3, Issue 3, 2026
Page : 66-70
https://doi.org/10.51271/JRM-0053
Article Information
Received : 12 Ağu 2026
Accepted : 16 Eyl 2026
Published : 19 Eyl 2026
Corresponding Author :

Hasan Eryeşil: Department of Radiology, Tatvan State Hospital, Bitlis, Turkiye

[email protected]
Citation : Eryeşil H, Ataş AE, Kaya HE. Opportunistic screening for the presence of vertebral fractures using L1 trabecular bone density on non-contrast chest CT. J Radiol Med. 2026;3(3):66-70. doi:10.51271/JRM-0053

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