Osteoporosis and Fragility Fractures in Patients With Cirrhosis Evaluated for Liver Transplantation: Identification of High-Risk Patients Based on Computed Tomography at Evaluation

Am J Gastroenterol. 2024 Feb 1;119(2):367-370. doi: 10.14309/ajg.0000000000002507. Epub 2023 Nov 10.

Abstract

Introduction: Osteoporosis in candidates for liver transplantation (LT) is often underdiagnosed despite the important consequences of morbidity.

Methods: We included 376 patients with cirrhosis evaluated for LT with available computed tomography (CT) scans. Prevalent vertebral fractures (VFs) were identified on CT reconstructions, and bone density was assessed by measuring CT attenuation of the L1 vertebra (L1-CT).

Results: We identified 139 VFs in 55 patients (14.6%). Logistic regression models showed that low L1-CT was the only independent determinant of VF.

Discussion: In patients with cirrhosis evaluated for LT, CT scans identified persons with severe osteoporosis without additional costs.

MeSH terms

  • Absorptiometry, Photon / methods
  • Bone Density
  • Humans
  • Liver Cirrhosis / complications
  • Liver Cirrhosis / diagnostic imaging
  • Liver Transplantation*
  • Lumbar Vertebrae
  • Osteoporosis* / complications
  • Osteoporosis* / diagnostic imaging
  • Osteoporosis* / epidemiology
  • Osteoporotic Fractures* / diagnostic imaging
  • Osteoporotic Fractures* / epidemiology
  • Osteoporotic Fractures* / surgery
  • Retrospective Studies
  • Spinal Fractures* / diagnostic imaging
  • Spinal Fractures* / epidemiology
  • Spinal Fractures* / surgery
  • Tomography, X-Ray Computed / methods