Diagnosis Via CT Scan

I had a CT scan of abdomen and pelvis yesterday and it saw my fractures at T12, L1, L2 and L5. I already knew about them of course 🙂

I also recently had a CT scan to check a lung issue and the pulmonologist commented” that’s interesting I’m not seeing your L-1 spine fracture. “ so it’s possible. I later asked the imaging lab tech that did my DEXA about that, and her comment was it’s possible something was in the way. So he didn’t see it. And after that I brought it up to my endocrinologist and she said with a minimal fracture it is rare, but possible for it to heal such that it’s not seen anymore .
I took that as potential good news with my healing. My fracture was categorized as minimal-placed at the 5-10% range.

I can understand seeing fractures put this was osteopenia that was seen.

I have an old compression fracture at L1 years ago, slipped on the ice and fell right on low back - I had 2 rounds of steroid injections and that is the worst on my Bone Density scans, my back. How is your back after having the fracture?

Yes, I can't post links but UCSF does a Quantitive CT specifically for bone density . Thomas Link md. With DXA or CT It isn't usual to scan the cervical neck, you may never get another density scan there.
The radiologist has alerted you to the osteopenia in your neck which may not be evident in the usually measured locations--hip and lumbar spine. Or may be worse in the lumbar spine or hip. You could have a DXA as it is best to catch osteopenia before it becomes osteoporosis. Easier to prevent bone loss than to recover lost bone.
Cheers to your radiologist. We aren't always offered bonus findings.

I already had a standard DEXA and know I have osteoporosis. Being a thin, fine boned person, i am not sure how acurate the DEXA results are.

@ladydi22 I had 3 thoracic spinal fractures from a fall that landed my back on the corner of icy concrete steps, back in 2006. In 2021 I fractured 3 lumbar fractures and the x-ray also showed another thoracic one. So 6-7 in all.

If possible, try to get a TBS scan. They are difficult to find. It is software on the DEXA scan that helps determine bone quality rather than just quantity. Google it.

I had a CT scan for abdomen and pelvis this past week, with oral iodine contrast. Off topic but- I am still so sick from the contrast Anyone else react to it? There is now way I could handle IV contrast which poses diagnostic obstacles.

I wonder if an IV might be easier on you. It was 75 ml injected into me while oral seems to require cupfuls be consumed due to low absorptivity through the intestines.