[Clinical use of a new analytical method for the determination of bone density by means of quantitative computer tomography].

Aim: Evaluation of the clinical suitability of a new analytical method for the determination of bone mineral density (BMD) by means of SEQCT as well as a comparison with the established method.

Methods: In order to verify the stability of both systems, phantom measurements were performed on a lumbal spine torso as well as on 78 patients. 44 patients were examined by means of the established method and 34 according to the new method. Parallel measurements were possible in 15 patients.

Results: The phantom measurements proved a high stability of both methods. Regarding the absolute BMD the new method resulted in higher BMD values. This result was confirmed by parallel measurements in 15 patients. The new method demonstrated increased suitability due to less time consuming preparations. Dose reduced scan parameters could not be achieved in all patients, so that the time saving effect could not be considered. In these cases manual settings were required.

Conclusion: A substitution of the established method for BMD measurement by means of SEQCT with the new method seems to be possible. However, the results will have to be corrected by the percentage of deviation from the default value of the quality phantom.