The use of bone mineral density measured by dual energy X-ray absorptiometry (DXA) and peripheral quantitative computed microtomography in chronic kidney disease

Chronic kidney disease (CKD) is a risk factor for fractures. The current evaluation of fracture risk is based upon the combination of various clinical factors and quantitative imaging of bone. X-ray-based tools were developed to evaluate bone status and predict fracture risk. Dual energy X-ray absorptiometry (DXA) is available worldwide. Longitudinal studies showed that low areal Bone Mineral Density (BMD) measured by DXA predicts fractures in the CKD population as it does in non uremic populations, with good specificity and moderate sensitivity. Peripheral quantitative computed tomography (pQCT) and high resolution pQCT are research tools which measure volumetric BMD at the tibia and radius. They are able to discriminate between the cortical and trabecular envelopes which are differentially affected by renal osteodystrophy. In CKD, a rapid thinning and increased porosity at the cortex is observed which is associated with increased the risk for fracture.