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Martin H, Henderson A, Allen R, Childs AM, Dunne J, Horrocks I, Joseph S, Kraft JK, Ward K, Mushtaq T, Mason A, Kyriakou A, Wong SC. Reporting of paediatric osteoporotic vertebral fractures in Duchenne muscular dystrophy and potential impact on clinical management: the need for standardised and structured reporting. Pediatr Radiol 2024; 54:117-126. [PMID: 38072887 PMCID: PMC10776500 DOI: 10.1007/s00247-023-05805-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/16/2023] [Revised: 10/29/2023] [Accepted: 10/30/2023] [Indexed: 01/10/2024]
Abstract
BACKGROUND In boys with Duchenne muscular dystrophy (DMD), initiation of bisphosphonate is recommended upon identification of moderate or severe vertebral fractures, even if asymptomatic. Clear radiological reporting is important for consistency of clinical interpretation and management. OBJECTIVES To audit radiology reports of spine imaging for vertebral fracture assessment in DMD, and assess potential impact on diagnosis and management. MATERIALS AND METHODS Lateral thoracolumbar spine imaging (71 lateral spine radiographs and 13 lateral dual energy absorptiometry spine image) in 84 boys with DMD performed across two centres. Anonymised radiology reports by paediatric radiologists were circulated to two neuromuscular clinicians and two endocrinologists. Clinicians determined if there was vertebral fracture, no vertebral fracture, or unclear interpretation. Endocrinologists also determined if bisphosphonate was indicated. A single observer (a clinician with expertise in vertebral fracture assessment) performed vertebral fracture assessment in 37 images and re-reported using a structured format. Structured reports were re-circulated to the four clinicians to re-evaluate the degree of concordance in clinical diagnosis of vertebral fracture and treatment decisions with bisphosphonate. RESULTS The term "fracture" was used in 25/84 (30%) radiology reports and only in 8/43 (19%) with description of vertebral body abnormalities. Fracture grading was included in 7/43 (16%) radiology reports. Diagnostic concordance by the clinicians was noted in 36/84 (43%). Unclear interpretation was noted in 22% to 51% based on radiology reports. No unclear interpretation was noted with structured reports. Complete diagnostic (37/37, 100%) and treatment (37/37, 100%) concordance was noted with the structured reports, whereas complete diagnostic and treatment concordance was noted in only 16/37 (43%) and 17/37 (46%) of the radiology reports, respectively. CONCLUSION Only a third of radiology reports of spine imaging in DMD explicitly used the terminology "fracture". Grading was only noted in a small percentage. Variability in diagnostic interpretation by clinicians may lead to differing management plans. As identification of vertebral fracture is a trigger for treatment, developing reporting guidelines for paediatric vertebral fracture assessment will improve care. A structured template should be introduced for radiological reporting of paediatric vertebral fracture assessment.
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Affiliation(s)
- H Martin
- Department of Paediatric Endocrinology, Royal Hospital for Children, 1345 Govan Road, Glasgow, G51 4TF, UK
| | - A Henderson
- Department of Paediatric Neurology, Leeds Teaching Hospital NHS Trust, Leeds, UK
| | - R Allen
- Department of Paediatric Radiology, Royal Hospital for Children, Glasgow, UK
| | - A M Childs
- Department of Paediatric Neurology, Leeds Teaching Hospital NHS Trust, Leeds, UK
| | - J Dunne
- Department of Paediatric Neurology, Royal Hospital for Children, Glasgow, UK
| | - I Horrocks
- Department of Paediatric Neurology, Royal Hospital for Children, Glasgow, UK
| | - S Joseph
- Department of Paediatric Neurology, Royal Hospital for Children, Glasgow, UK
| | - J K Kraft
- Department of Paediatric Radiology, Leeds Teaching Hospital NHS Trust, Leeds, UK
| | - K Ward
- Department of Paediatric Neurology, Royal Hospital for Children, Glasgow, UK
| | - T Mushtaq
- Department of Paediatric Endocrinology, Leeds Teaching Hospital NHS Trust, Leeds, UK
| | - A Mason
- Department of Paediatric Endocrinology, Royal Hospital for Children, 1345 Govan Road, Glasgow, G51 4TF, UK
| | - A Kyriakou
- Department of Paediatric Endocrinology, Makarios Children's Hospital, Nicosia, Cyprus
| | - S C Wong
- Department of Paediatric Endocrinology, Royal Hospital for Children, 1345 Govan Road, Glasgow, G51 4TF, UK.
- School of Medicine, Dentistry and Nursing, University of Glasgow, Glasgow, UK.
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Alqahtani FF, Crabtree NJ, Bromiley PA, Cootes T, Broadley P, Lang I, Offiah AC. Diagnostic performance of morphometric vertebral fracture analysis (MXA) in children using a 33-point software program. Bone 2020; 133:115249. [PMID: 31978618 DOI: 10.1016/j.bone.2020.115249] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/18/2019] [Revised: 01/14/2020] [Accepted: 01/19/2020] [Indexed: 11/26/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND There is significant inter and intraobserver variability in diagnosing vertebral fractures in children. PURPOSE We aimed to evaluate the diagnostic accuracy of morphometric vertebral fracture analysis (MXA) using a 33-point software program designed for adults, on dual-energy x-ray absorptiometry (DXA) images of children. MATERIALS AND METHODS Lateral spine DXA images of 420 children aged between 5 and 18 years were retrospectively reviewed. Vertebral fracture assessment (VFA) by an expert pediatric radiologist using Genant's semiquantitative scoring system served as the gold standard. All 420 DXA scans were analyzed by a trained radiographer, using semi-automated software (33-point morphometry). VFA of a random sample of 100 DXA was performed by an experienced pediatric clinical scientist. MXA of a random sample of 30 DXA images were analyzed by three pediatric radiologists and the pediatric clinical scientist. Diagnostic accuracy and inter and intraobserver agreement (kappa statistics) were calculated. RESULTS Overall sensitivity, specificity, false positive (FP) and false negative (FN) rates for the radiographer using the MXA software were 80%, 90%, 10%, and 20% respectively and for mild fractures alone were 46%, 92%, 8%, and 54% respectively. Overall sensitivity, specificity, FP, and FN rates for the four additional observers using MXA were 89%, 79%, 21%, and 11% respectively and for mild fractures alone were 36%, 86%, 14%, and 64% respectively. Agreement between two expert observers was fair to good for VFA and MXA [kappa = 0·29 to 0·76 (95% CI: 0·17-0·88) and 0·29 to 0·69 (95% CI: 0·17-0·83)] respectively. CONCLUSION MXA using a 33-point technique developed for adults is not a reliable method for the identification of mild vertebral fractures in children. A pediatric standard is required which not only incorporates specific vertebral body height ratios but also the age-related physiological changes in vertebral shape that occur throughout childhood.
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Affiliation(s)
- Fawaz F Alqahtani
- Academic Unit of Child Health, University of Sheffield, Sheffield, UK
| | - Nicola J Crabtree
- Department of Endocrinology and Diabetes, Birmingham Women's and Children's NHS Foundation Trust, Birmingham, UK
| | - Paul A Bromiley
- Division of Informatics, Imaging and Data Sciences, University of Manchester, Manchester, UK
| | - Timothy Cootes
- Division of Informatics, Imaging and Data Sciences, University of Manchester, Manchester, UK
| | - Penny Broadley
- Radiology Department, Sheffield Children's NHS Foundation Trust, Sheffield, UK
| | - Isla Lang
- Radiology Department, Sheffield Children's NHS Foundation Trust, Sheffield, UK
| | - Amaka C Offiah
- Academic Unit of Child Health, University of Sheffield, Sheffield, UK; Radiology Department, Sheffield Children's NHS Foundation Trust, Sheffield, UK.
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Alqahtani FF, Messina F, Offiah AC. Are semi-automated software program designed for adults accurate for the identification of vertebral fractures in children? Eur Radiol 2019; 29:6780-6789. [PMID: 31119416 PMCID: PMC6828619 DOI: 10.1007/s00330-019-06250-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/25/2019] [Revised: 04/12/2019] [Accepted: 04/24/2019] [Indexed: 11/05/2022]
Abstract
Objectives To assess whether diagnostic accuracy of morphometric vertebral fracture (VF) diagnosis in children can be improved using AVERT™ (a 33-point semi-automated program developed for VF diagnosis in adults) compared with SpineAnalyzer™ (a 6-point program), which has previously been shown to be of insufficient accuracy. Materials and methods Lateral spine radiographs (XR) and dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry (DXA) scans of 50 children and young people were analysed by two observers using two different programs (AVERT™ and SpineAnalyzer™). Diagnostic accuracy (sensitivity, specificity, false-negative (FN) and false-positive rates (FP)) was calculated by comparing with a previously established consensus arrived at by three experienced paediatric musculoskeletal radiologists, using a simplified algorithm-based qualitative scoring system. Observer agreement was calculated using Cohen’s kappa. Results For XR, overall sensitivity, specificity, FP and FN rates using AVERT™ were 36%, 95%, 5% and 64% respectively and 26%, 98%, 2% and 75% respectively, using SpineAnalyzer™. For DXA, overall sensitivity, specificity, FP and FN rates using AVERT™ were 41%, 91%, 9% and 59% respectively and 31%, 96%, 4% and 69% respectively, using SpineAnalyzer. Reliability (kappa) ranged from 0.34 to 0.37 (95%CI, 0.26–0.46) for AVERT™ and from 0.26 to 0.31 (95%CI, 0.16–0.44) for SpineAnalyzer™. Inter- and intra-observer agreement ranged from 0.41 to 0.47 for AVERT™ and from 0.50 to 0.79 for SpineAnalyzer™. Conclusion AVERT™ has slightly higher accuracy but lower observer reliability for the representation of vertebral morphometry in children when compared with SpineAnalyzer™. However, neither software program is satisfactorily reliable for VF diagnosis in children. Key Points • SpineAnalyzer™ and AVERT™ have low diagnostic accuracy and observer agreement when compared to three paediatric radiologists’ readings for the diagnosis of vertebral fractures (VF) in children. • Neither AVERT™ nor SpineAnalyzer™ is satisfactorily reliable for VF diagnosis in children. • Development of specific paediatric software and normative values (incorporating age-related physiological variation in children) is required.
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Affiliation(s)
- Fawaz F Alqahtani
- Academic Unit of Child Health, Department of Oncology and Metabolism, University of Sheffield, Medical School, University of Sheffield, Street Building, Western Bank, Sheffield, S10 2TH, UK. .,Department of Radiological Sciences, College of Applied Medical Sciences, Najran University, Najran, Kingdom of Saudi Arabia.
| | - Fabrizio Messina
- School of Health and Related Research, University of Sheffield, Sheffield, UK
| | - Amaka C Offiah
- Academic Unit of Child Health, Department of Oncology and Metabolism, University of Sheffield, Medical School, University of Sheffield, Street Building, Western Bank, Sheffield, S10 2TH, UK.,Radiology Department, Sheffield Children's NHS Foundation Trust, Sheffield, UK
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Diagnosis of osteoporotic vertebral fractures in children. Pediatr Radiol 2019; 49:283-296. [PMID: 30421000 PMCID: PMC6394483 DOI: 10.1007/s00247-018-4279-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/26/2018] [Revised: 09/03/2018] [Accepted: 10/05/2018] [Indexed: 12/11/2022]
Abstract
Osteoporosis is a generalised disorder of the skeleton with reduced bone density and abnormal bone architecture. It increases bone fragility and renders the individual susceptible to fractures. Fractures of the vertebrae are common osteoporotic fractures. Vertebral fractures may result in scoliosis or kyphosis and, because they may be clinically silent, it is imperative that vertebral fractures are diagnosed in children accurately and at an early stage, so the necessary medical care can be implemented. Traditionally, diagnosis of osteoporotic vertebral fractures has been from lateral spine radiographs; however, a small number of studies have shown that dual energy x-ray absorptiometry is comparable to radiographs for identifying vertebral fractures in children, while allowing reduced radiation exposure. The diagnosis of vertebral fractures from dual energy x-ray absorptiometry is termed vertebral fracture assessment. Existing scoring systems for vertebral fracture assessment in adults have been assessed for use in children, but there is no standardisation and observer reliability is variable. This literature review suggests the need for a semiautomated tool that (compared to the subjective and semiquantitative methods available) will allow more reliable and precise detection of vertebral fractures in children.
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Crabtree NJ, Adams JE, Padidela R, Shaw NJ, Högler W, Roper H, Hughes I, Daniel A, Mughal MZ. Growth, bone health & ambulatory status of boys with DMD treated with daily vs. intermittent oral glucocorticoid regimen. Bone 2018; 116:181-186. [PMID: 30055340 DOI: 10.1016/j.bone.2018.07.019] [Citation(s) in RCA: 25] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/24/2018] [Revised: 07/09/2018] [Accepted: 07/23/2018] [Indexed: 11/19/2022]
Abstract
Oral glucocorticoids (GC) preserve muscle strength and prolong walking in boys with Duchenne muscular dystrophy (DMD). Although vertebral fractures have been reported in boys taking GC, fracture rates for different GC regimes have not been investigated. The aim of this pragmatic longitudinal study was to compare growth, body mass, bone mineral density (BMD), vertebral fractures (VF) and ambulatory status in boys with DMD on daily (DAILY) or intermittent (INTERMITTENT), oral GC regimens. A convenience sample of 50 DMD boys from two centres was included in the study; 25 boys each were on the DAILY or INTERMITTENT regimen. Size adjusted lumbar spine BMD (LS BMAD), total body less head BMD (TBLH), by DXA and distal forearm bone densities by pQCT, GC exposure, VF assessment and ambulatory status were analysed at three time points; baseline, 1 and 2 years. At baseline, there were no differences in age, GC duration or any bone parameters. However, DAILY boys were shorter (height SDS DAILY = -1.4(0.9); INTERMITTENT = -0.8(1.0), p = 0.04) with higher BMI (BMI SDS DAILY = 1.5(0.9); INTERMITTENT = 0.8(1.0), p = 0.01). Over 2 years, DAILY boys got progressively shorter (delta height SDS DAILY = -0.9(1.1); INTERMITTENT = +0.1(0.6), p < 0.001). At their 2 year assessment, 5 DAILY and 10 INTERMITTENT boys were non-ambulant. DAILY boys had more VFs than INTERMITTENT boys (10 versus 2; χ2 p = 0.008). BMAD SDS remained unchanged between groups. TBLH and radius BMD declined significantly but the rate of loss was not different. In conclusion, there was a trend for more boys on daily GCs to remain ambulant but at the cost of more VFs, greater adiposity and markedly diminished growth. In contrast, boys on intermittent GCs had fewer vertebral fractures but there was a trend for more boys to loose independent ambulation.
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Affiliation(s)
- N J Crabtree
- Department of Endocrinology and Diabetes, Birmingham Women's and Children's NHS Foundation Trust, Birmingham, UK.
| | - J E Adams
- Radiology and Manchester Academic Health Science Centre, Manchester Royal Infirmary, Central Manchester University Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust and Centre for Imaging Sciences, Faculty of Biology Medicine and Health, University of Manchester, Manchester, UK
| | - R Padidela
- Department of Paediatric Endocrinology, Royal Manchester Children's Hospital, Manchester, UK
| | - N J Shaw
- Department of Endocrinology and Diabetes, Birmingham Women's and Children's NHS Foundation Trust, Birmingham, UK; Institute of Metabolism and Systems Research, University of Birmingham, Birmingham, UK
| | - W Högler
- Department of Endocrinology and Diabetes, Birmingham Women's and Children's NHS Foundation Trust, Birmingham, UK; Institute of Metabolism and Systems Research, University of Birmingham, Birmingham, UK
| | - H Roper
- Department of Paediatrics, Heartlands Hospital, Birmingham, UK
| | - I Hughes
- Department of Paediatric Neurology, Royal Manchester Children's Hospital, Manchester, UK
| | - A Daniel
- Department of Paediatric Endocrinology, Royal Manchester Children's Hospital, Manchester, UK
| | - M Z Mughal
- Department of Paediatric Endocrinology, Royal Manchester Children's Hospital, Manchester, UK
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Di Iorgi N, Maruca K, Patti G, Mora S. Update on bone density measurements and their interpretation in children and adolescents. Best Pract Res Clin Endocrinol Metab 2018; 32:477-498. [PMID: 30086870 DOI: 10.1016/j.beem.2018.06.002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 34] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/17/2022]
Abstract
Following the increased awareness about the central role of the pediatric age in building bone for life, clinicians face more than ever the necessity of assessing bone health in pediatric subjects at risk for early bone mass derangements or in healthy children, in order to optimize their bone mass accrual and prevent osteoporosis. Although the diagnosis of osteoporosis is not made solely upon bone mineral density measurements during growth, such determination can be very useful in the follow-up of pediatric patients with primary and secondary osteoporosis. The ideal instrument would give information on the mineral content and density of the bone, and on its architecture. It should be able to perform the measurements on the skeletal sites where fractures are more frequent, and it should be minimally invasive, accurate, precise and rapid. Unfortunately, none of the techniques currently utilized fulfills all requirements. In the present review, we focus on the pediatric use of dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry (DXA), quantitative computed tomography (QCT), peripheral QCT (pQCT), and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), highlighting advantages and limits for their use and providing indications for bone densitometry interpretation and of vertebral fractures diagnosis in pediatric subjects.
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Affiliation(s)
- Natascia Di Iorgi
- Department of Pediatrics, Istituto Giannina Gaslini, University of Genova, Genova, Italy.
| | - Katia Maruca
- Pediatric Bone Densitormetry Service and Laboratory of Pediatric Endocrinology, IRCCS San Raffaele Institute, Milano, Italy
| | - Giuseppa Patti
- Department of Pediatrics, Istituto Giannina Gaslini, University of Genova, Genova, Italy
| | - Stefano Mora
- Pediatric Bone Densitormetry Service and Laboratory of Pediatric Endocrinology, IRCCS San Raffaele Institute, Milano, Italy.
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Alqahtani FF, Messina F, Kruger E, Gill H, Ellis M, Lang I, Broadley P, Offiah AC. Evaluation of a semi-automated software program for the identification of vertebral fractures in children. Clin Radiol 2017; 72:904.e11-904.e20. [PMID: 28506798 DOI: 10.1016/j.crad.2017.04.010] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/16/2017] [Revised: 03/24/2017] [Accepted: 04/11/2017] [Indexed: 11/19/2022]
Abstract
AIM To assess observer reliability and diagnostic accuracy in children, of a semi-automated six-point technique developed for vertebral fracture (VF) diagnosis in adults, which records percentage loss of vertebral body height. MATERIALS AND METHODS Using a semi-automated software program, five observers independently assessed T4 to L4 from the lateral spine radiographs of 137 children and adolescents for VF. A previous consensus read by three paediatric radiologists using a simplified algorithm-based qualitative technique (i.e., no software involved) served as the reference standard. RESULTS Of a total of 1,781 vertebrae, 1,187 (67%) were adequately visualised according to three or more observers. Interobserver agreement in vertebral readability for each vertebral level for five observers ranged from 0.05 to 0.47 (95% CI: -0.19, 0.76). Intra-observer agreement using the intraclass correlation coefficient (ICC) ranged from 0.25 to 0.61. The overall sensitivity and specificity were 18% (95% CI: 14-22) and 97% (95% CI: 97-98), respectively. CONCLUSION In contrast to adults, the six-point technique assessing anterior, middle, and posterior vertebral height ratios is neither satisfactorily reliable nor sensitive for VF diagnosis in children. Training of the software on paediatric images is required in order to develop a paediatric standard that incorporates not only specific vertebral body height ratios but also the age-related physiological changes in vertebral shape that occur throughout childhood.
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Affiliation(s)
- F F Alqahtani
- Academic Unit of Child Health, University of Sheffield, Sheffield, UK; Department of Radiological Sciences, College of Applied Medical Sciences, Najran University, Najran, Saudi Arabia.
| | - F Messina
- School of Health and Related Research, University of Sheffield, Sheffield, UK
| | - E Kruger
- Radiology Department, Sheffield Children's NHS Foundation Trust, Sheffield, UK
| | - H Gill
- Sheffield Medical School, University of Sheffield, Sheffield, UK
| | - M Ellis
- Sheffield Medical School, University of Sheffield, Sheffield, UK
| | - I Lang
- Radiology Department, Sheffield Children's NHS Foundation Trust, Sheffield, UK
| | - P Broadley
- Radiology Department, Sheffield Children's NHS Foundation Trust, Sheffield, UK
| | - A C Offiah
- Academic Unit of Child Health, University of Sheffield, Sheffield, UK; Radiology Department, Sheffield Children's NHS Foundation Trust, Sheffield, UK
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Crabtree NJ, Chapman S, Högler W, Hodgson K, Chapman D, Bebbington N, Shaw NJ. Vertebral fractures assessment in children: Evaluation of DXA imaging versus conventional spine radiography. Bone 2017; 97:168-174. [PMID: 28082075 DOI: 10.1016/j.bone.2017.01.006] [Citation(s) in RCA: 38] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/26/2016] [Revised: 12/06/2016] [Accepted: 01/06/2017] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
Abstract
Vertebral fracture assessment (VFA) by DXA is an accepted tool in adults. However, its use in children has not been assessed. The aim of this study was to evaluate DXA VFA and morphometric analysis (MXA) using a GE Lunar iDXA bone densitometer against spinal radiographic assessment (RA) for the identification of vertebral fractures in children. Spine RA and VFA (T3-L5) were acquired on the same day in 80 children. Forty children considered high risk for fracture by their metabolic bone specialist were referred for spinal RA. Another 40 children were recruited as part of a prospective fracture study and were considered low risk for vertebral fracture. Agreement between RA and VFA was assessed by an expert paediatric radiologist and two paediatricians with expertise in bone pathology. Agreement between RA and MXA was assessed by an expert paediatric radiologist, two clinical scientists and an experienced paediatric radiographer. Vertebrae were ranked as normal, mild, moderate or severe if they had <10%, 11-25%, 26-50% and >50% deformity, respectively. Levels of agreement were calculated using the Cohen kappa score. Evaluating the data from all readable vertebrae, 121 mild, 44 moderate and 16 severe vertebral fractures were identified; with 26, 8, and 5 subjects having at least one mild, moderate or severe fracture, respectively. Depending on rater, 92.8-94.8% of the vertebrae were evaluable by RA. In contrast, 98.4% were evaluable by VFA and only 83.6% were evaluable by MXA. Moderate agreement was found between raters for RA [kappa 0.526-0.592], and VFA [kappa 0.601-0.658] and between RA and VFA [kappa 0.630-0.687]. In contrast, only slight agreement was noted between raters for MXA [kappa 0.361-0.406] and between VFA and MXA [kappa 0.137-0.325]. Agreement substantially improved if the deformities were dichotomised as normal or mild versus moderate or severe [kappa 0.826-0.834]. For the detection of moderate and/or severe fractures the sensitivities & specificities were 81.3% & 99.3%, and 62.5% & 99.2% for VFA and MXA, respectively. This study demonstrates that VFA is as good as RA for detecting moderate and severe vertebral fractures. Given the significant radiation dose saving of VFA compared with RA, VFA is recommended as a diagnostic tool for the assessment of moderate or severe vertebral fracture in children.
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Affiliation(s)
- N J Crabtree
- Dept. of Nuclear Medicine, Queen Elizabeth Hospital, Birmingham, UK; Dept. of Endocrinology and Diabetes, Birmingham Children's Hospital, Birmingham, UK.
| | - S Chapman
- Dept. of Radiology, Birmingham Children's Hospital, Birmingham, UK
| | - W Högler
- Dept. of Endocrinology and Diabetes, Birmingham Children's Hospital, Birmingham, UK; Institute of Metabolism and Systems Research, University of Birmingham, Birmingham, UK
| | - K Hodgson
- RRPPS, University Hospitals Birmingham NHS Foundation Trust, Birmingham, UK
| | - D Chapman
- Dept. of Nuclear Medicine, Queen Elizabeth Hospital, Birmingham, UK
| | - N Bebbington
- Dept. of Nuclear Medicine, Queen Elizabeth Hospital, Birmingham, UK
| | - N J Shaw
- Dept. of Endocrinology and Diabetes, Birmingham Children's Hospital, Birmingham, UK; Institute of Metabolism and Systems Research, University of Birmingham, Birmingham, UK
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Kyriakou A, Shepherd S, Mason A, Ahmed SF. Prevalence of Vertebral Fractures in Children with Suspected Osteoporosis. J Pediatr 2016; 179:219-225. [PMID: 27640353 DOI: 10.1016/j.jpeds.2016.08.075] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/09/2016] [Revised: 06/21/2016] [Accepted: 08/22/2016] [Indexed: 12/28/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVES To explore the prevalence and anatomic distribution of vertebral fractures in disease groups investigated for primary and secondary osteoporosis, using vertebral fracture assessment (VFA). STUDY DESIGN VFA was performed independently by 2 nonradiologists, in 165 children (77 males, 88 females) as part of their investigation for osteoporosis. Vertebral bodies from T6 to L4 were assessed for vertebral fractures using the Genant scoring system. The common readings for the presence of vertebral fractures were used for evaluating the prevalence and anatomic distribution of vertebral fractures. RESULTS The median age of the subjects was 13.4 years (range, 3.6, 18). Of the 165 children, 24 (15%) were being investigated for primary bone disease, and the remainder had a range of chronic diseases known to affect bone health. Vertebral fractures were identified in 38 (23%) children. The distribution of the vertebral fractures was bimodal, with vertebral fractures peaks centered at T9 and L4. Conditions associated with increased odds for vertebral fractures were inflammatory bowel disease (OR, 3.3; 95% CI, 1.4, 8.0; P = .018) and osteogenesis imperfecta (OR, 2.3; 95% CI, 1.04, 5.8; P = .022). Among children with vertebral fractures, those with Duchenne muscular dystrophy (P = .015) and osteogenesis imperfecta (P = .023) demonstrated higher number of vertebral fractures than the other disease groups. CONCLUSIONS VFA identified the presence of vertebral fractures, in a bimodal distribution, in both primary bone disease and chronic disease groups. VFA is a practical screening tool for identification of vertebral fractures in children and adolescents at risk of fragility fractures.
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Affiliation(s)
- Andreas Kyriakou
- Developmental Endocrinology Research Group, School of Medicine, University of Glasgow, Royal Hospital for Children, Glasgow, United Kingdom
| | - Sheila Shepherd
- Developmental Endocrinology Research Group, School of Medicine, University of Glasgow, Royal Hospital for Children, Glasgow, United Kingdom
| | - Avril Mason
- Developmental Endocrinology Research Group, School of Medicine, University of Glasgow, Royal Hospital for Children, Glasgow, United Kingdom
| | - S Faisal Ahmed
- Developmental Endocrinology Research Group, School of Medicine, University of Glasgow, Royal Hospital for Children, Glasgow, United Kingdom.
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Adiotomre E, Summers L, Allison A, Walters SJ, Digby M, Broadley P, Lang I, Morrison G, Bishop N, Arundel P, Offiah AC. Diagnostic accuracy of DXA compared to conventional spine radiographs for the detection of vertebral fractures in children. Eur Radiol 2016; 27:2188-2199. [PMID: 27655305 PMCID: PMC5374187 DOI: 10.1007/s00330-016-4556-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/15/2016] [Revised: 07/05/2016] [Accepted: 08/09/2016] [Indexed: 10/26/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVES In children, radiography is performed to diagnose vertebral fractures and dual energy x-ray absorptiometry (DXA) to assess bone density. In adults, DXA assesses both. We aimed to establish whether DXA can replace spine radiographs in assessment of paediatric vertebral fractures. METHODS Prospectively, lateral spine radiographs and lateral spine DXA of 250 children performed on the same day were independently scored by three radiologists using the simplified algorithm-based qualitative technique and blinded to results of the other modality. Consensus radiograph read and second read of 100 random images were performed. Diagnostic accuracy, inter/intraobserver and intermodality agreements, patient/carer experience and radiation dose were assessed. RESULTS Average sensitivity and specificity (95 % confidence interval) in diagnosing one or more vertebral fractures requiring treatment was 70 % (58-82 %) and 97 % (94-100 %) respectively for DXA and 74 % (55-93 %) and 96 % (95-98 %) for radiographs. Fleiss' kappa for interobserver and average kappa for intraobserver reliability were 0.371 and 0.631 respectively for DXA and 0.418 and 0.621 for radiographs. Average effective dose was 41.9 μSv for DXA and 232.7 μSv for radiographs. Image quality was similar. CONCLUSION Given comparable image quality and non-inferior diagnostic accuracy, lateral spine DXA should replace conventional radiographs for assessment of vertebral fractures in children. KEY POINTS • Vertebral fracture diagnostic accuracy of lateral spine DXA is non-inferior to radiographs. • The rate of unreadable vertebrae for DXA is lower than for radiographs. • Effective dose of DXA is significantly lower than radiographs. • Children prefer DXA to radiographs. • Given the above, DXA should replace radiographs for paediatric vertebral fracture assessment.
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Affiliation(s)
- E Adiotomre
- Radiology Department, Sheffield Teaching Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust, Glossop Rd, Sheffield, South Yorkshire, S10 2JF, UK.,Radiology Department, Sheffield Children's Hospital NHS Foundation Trust, Western Bank, Sheffield, South Yorkshire, S10 2TH, UK
| | - L Summers
- Sheffield Medical School, University of Sheffield, Beech Hill Rd, Sheffield, South Yorkshire, S10 2RX, UK
| | - A Allison
- School of Health and Related Research, University of Sheffield, 30 Regent St, Sheffield, South Yorkshire, S1 4DA, UK
| | - S J Walters
- School of Health and Related Research, University of Sheffield, 30 Regent St, Sheffield, South Yorkshire, S1 4DA, UK
| | - M Digby
- Sheffield Medical School, University of Sheffield, Beech Hill Rd, Sheffield, South Yorkshire, S10 2RX, UK
| | - P Broadley
- Radiology Department, Sheffield Children's Hospital NHS Foundation Trust, Western Bank, Sheffield, South Yorkshire, S10 2TH, UK
| | - I Lang
- Radiology Department, Sheffield Children's Hospital NHS Foundation Trust, Western Bank, Sheffield, South Yorkshire, S10 2TH, UK
| | - G Morrison
- Medical Physics, Sheffield Teaching Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust, Glossop Rd, Sheffield, South Yorkshire, S10 2JF, UK
| | - N Bishop
- Academic Unit of Child Health, University of Sheffield, Western Bank, Sheffield, South Yorkshire, S10 2TH, UK
| | - P Arundel
- Academic Unit of Child Health, University of Sheffield, Western Bank, Sheffield, South Yorkshire, S10 2TH, UK
| | - A C Offiah
- Radiology Department, Sheffield Children's Hospital NHS Foundation Trust, Western Bank, Sheffield, South Yorkshire, S10 2TH, UK. .,Academic Unit of Child Health, University of Sheffield, Western Bank, Sheffield, South Yorkshire, S10 2TH, UK.
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