Is bone densitometry helpful in detection of osteomalacia?

Introduction: Osteomalacia, particularly in its mild and early stages, may be misdiagnosed as only osteopenia or osteoporosis. Our purpose was to determine the amount of bone mineral density (BMD) in patients with osteomalacia and to evaluate the efficiency of bone densitometry in suspicion of osteomalacia. Methods: BMD (gm/cm2) at the lumbar vertebrae (L2-L4) and femoral neck were measured by dual X-ray absorptiometry (LUNAR-DPXIQ machine) in 20 patients with osteomalacia (16 females and 4 males, age range 20 to 60 years, mean 39.4 year), and their T scores were evaluated according to WHO criteria. Results: Mean T score at lumbar vertebrae was -3.005±1.28, with 70% osteoporosis (T≤ -2.5). Mean T score at femoral neck was -3.009±1.34, with 60% osteoporosis.50% of patients had T≤-3. Conclusions: Osteoporosis may be detected in 70% of patients with Osteomalacia. Middle aged individuals with significant osteoporosis (T≤-3) should be evaluated for osteomalacia, beside other causes of secondary osteoporosis.