Hepatic Visualization on DXA Scan: An Ancilliary Finding

Authors

  • Ayesha Zubair Department of Nuclear Medicine, Shaukat Khanum Memorial Cancer Hospital and Research Center, Lahore; Department of Nuclear
  • Sana Munir Gill Department of Nuclear Medicine, Shaukat Khanum Memorial Cancer Hospital and Research Center, Lahore; Department of Nuclear
  • Aamna Hassan Department of Nuclear Medicine, Shaukat Khanum Memorial Cancer Hospital and Research Center, Lahore; Department of Nuclear

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.47391/JPMA.24-73

Abstract

Thalassemia major is a genetic haemoglobinopathy manifesting as severe anaemia, jaundice and hepatosplenomegaly.
Due to altered iron metabolism and increased bone resorption it is associated with secondary osteoporosis manifested as
decreased bone mineral density (BMD). Dual energy X-ray absorptiometry (DXA) is frequently performed for the diagnosis
of secondary osteoporosis. Soft tissues are rarely visualized on DXA unless there is calcification involving those structures
like nephro-, cholelithiasis or iatrogenic e.g. surgical clips. Hepatic iron deposition occurs in thalassemia due to repeated
blood transfusions which leads to increased density of the liver resulting in visualization of liver on DXA scan.
We present an interesting image of hepatic visualization on DXA performed for bone mineral density assessment in a patient
with thalassemia major.
Keywords: Thalassemia major, secondary osteoporosis, iron overload, liver, DXA.

Published

2024-08-23

How to Cite

Ayesha Zubair, Sana Munir Gill, & Aamna Hassan. (2024). Hepatic Visualization on DXA Scan: An Ancilliary Finding. Journal of the Pakistan Medical Association, 74(9), 1721–1722. https://doi.org/10.47391/JPMA.24-73

Issue

Section

IMAGING CORNER

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