In primary hyperparathyroidism, which test demonstrates osteopenia or bone loss?

In primary hyperparathyroidism, which test demonstrates osteopenia or bone loss?

• A. CT scan
• B. DEXA scan
• C. MRI
• D. Ultrasound

Answer: (C)

Measuring bone mineral density with a DEXA scan is how we demonstrate osteopenia in primary hyperparathyroidism. Excess PTH drives increased bone remodeling and osteoclast activity, leading to bone resorption and lower bone mineral density. A DEXA scan uses low-dose X-rays to quantify density at key sites such as the spine and hip and provides a T-score that defines osteopenia or osteoporosis. Other imaging methods—CT, MRI, and ultrasound—don’t routinely measure bone density in this way, so they aren’t used to establish osteopenia.

Measuring bone mineral density with a DEXA scan is how we demonstrate osteopenia in primary hyperparathyroidism. Excess PTH drives increased bone remodeling and osteoclast activity, leading to bone resorption and lower bone mineral density. A DEXA scan uses low-dose X-rays to quantify density at key sites such as the spine and hip and provides a T-score that defines osteopenia or osteoporosis. Other imaging methods—CT, MRI, and ultrasound—don’t routinely measure bone density in this way, so they aren’t used to establish osteopenia.