ABSTRACT
CASE PRESENTATION: A 62-year-old woman came to our hospital with worsening cough and dyspnea over the preceding week, during which time she had been treated with azithromycin and prednisone for suspected pneumonia. She had no fever, chills, or sweats, but her cough had become productive of clear to blood-tinged phlegm during the interval. Medical history was significant for insulin-dependent diabetes mellitus and OSA. She had quit smoking 44 years earlier and had no history of lung disease. She was a bank teller residing in southeastern Minnesota and described no relevant inhalational or environmental exposures, drug use, aspiration, or travels preceding her illness.
Subject(s)
Cough , Dyspnea , Tomography, X-Ray Computed , Humans , Female , Middle Aged , Cough/etiology , Cough/diagnosis , Dyspnea/etiology , Dyspnea/diagnosis , Diagnosis, Differential , Multiple Pulmonary Nodules/diagnosis , Multiple Pulmonary Nodules/diagnostic imaging , Multiple Pulmonary Nodules/etiology , Lung Neoplasms/diagnosis , Lung Neoplasms/complicationsABSTRACT
BACKGROUND: The prevalence of lung cancer among individuals afflicted with interstitial pneumonia (IP) stands at approximately 20%. The early detection of lung cancer via chest computed tomography (CT) surveillance proves challenging in IP patients. Our investigation sought to identify a potential biomarker capable of providing early indications of the presence of lung tumors in such patients. MATERIALS AND METHODS: We examined the attributes of serum tumor markers, imaging characteristics, and histological findings in individuals diagnosed with IP, both with and without concurrent lung cancer. RESULTS: 106 patients diagnosed with IP were included in the study, comprising 36 individuals with concurrent lung cancer and 70 patients solely diagnosed with IP. Serum concentrations of CEA and CA12-5 were notably elevated in IP patients with lung cancer, compared to those with IP alone. Logistic regression analyses revealed that, in comparison to IP patients within the first quartile of CEA levels, the relative risk of developing lung cancer associated with IP escalated by 4.0-fold, 3.1-fold, 11.0-fold, and 13.3-fold in the second, third, fourth, and fifth quartiles, respectively. Upon controlling for gender and age, statistical significance in risk was observed solely for the fourth and fifth quartiles. Receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve analysis conducted in patients diagnosed with ILD-CA identified a CEA cutoff point of 6.9 ng/mL, demonstrating sensitivities of 61.1% and specificities of 78.5%. The area under the curve was calculated as 0.7(95% CI: 0.63-0.81). CONCLUSION: The serum levels of CEA were notably elevated in IP patients with concurrent lung cancer in contrast to those who were just suffering from IP. The heightened serum CEA levels correlate with an escalated risk of cancer occurrence among IP patients, suggesting that serum CEA levels could potentially serve as an indicative marker for the presence of cancer in IP patients.
ABSTRACT
A case of complete recovery of negative pressure pulmonary edema after a Cottle surgery in a 24-year-old male. Teaching point: Negative pressure pulmonary edema is an important cause of postoperative noncardiogenic edema, with the spontaneous disappearance of all complaints within a relatively short period.
ABSTRACT
PURPOSE: To describe the first experience of patient dose optimization in developing AQD, SSDE and image quality-related DRLs for common CT examinations in the adult age group using the concept of AQD. MATERIALS AND METHODS: The recent published IQSC from 0 to 4 were used by radiologists for the assessment of image quality. The entire data were collected for five types (brain CT, chest CT, chest HRCT, abdomen KUB CT and abdomen + pelvic CT) CT investigations based on anatomic region (head, chest and abdomen + pelvic). The entire datasets of 264 patients were categorized into three groups based on their weights: group-1 (41-60 kg), group-2 (61-80 kg) and group-3 (81-100 kg). Only score-3 images were considered to assess median and 75th percentile values of CTDIvol and DLP to obtain AQDs and DRLs, respectively. RESULTS: Following the practical training of four radiologists on image quality scoring criteria for CT images, 264 (92%) out of 288 patient images were clinically acceptable as per IQSC for the study. The AQD (median) values in terms of CTDIvol for the mentioned weight groups were 25.8, 2.7, and 30.6 mGy, while the median DLP values for these groups were 496, 510 and 557 mGycm, respectively, for brain CT. The 75th percentile values in terms of CTDIvol were 30.2, 35.3 and 36.2 mGy, while in terms of DLP, they were 583, 619 and 781 mGycm for brain CT, respectively. Similar results are presented for the above-mentioned procedures, as well as in terms of SSDE. CONCLUSION: The first ever experience in obtaining AQD, SSDE and DRLs values for specific CT procedures couples image quality with dose indices, showing comparable values with other relevant studies. Hence, it will provide a baseline for comparison within the facility for future studies and facilitate dose optimization for other facilities aiming for improvement.
ABSTRACT
Background: Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease has extrapulmonary manifestations, such as cardiovascular diseases and osteoporosis. The purpose of this research was to determine the relationship between the type and extent of emphysema with thoracic aorta calcification (TAC) and bone mineral density (BMD) at Th4, Th8, and L1 vertebrae. Methods: Emphysema was described by computed tomography parameters (both Fleischner classification and low attenuation value percentage, LAV%) and the clinical FEV1/FVC ratio (Tiffeneau-Pinelli index, TI, TI < 0.7; TI > 0.7). Results: Of 200 included patients (median age 64, 33% women), signs of clinical obstruction (TI) were observed in 104 patients, which had significantly lower BMD and more heavy TAC. BMD correlated negatively with LAV%, Rho = -0.16 to -0.23, while a positive correlation of aortic calcification with LAV% was observed, Rho = 0.30 to 0.33. Multiple linear regression showed that age and TI < 0.7 were independent predictors of BMD, ß = -0.20 to -0.40, and ß = -0.21 to -0.25; age and hypercholesterolemia were independent predictors of TCA, ß = 0.61 and ß = 0.19. Conclusions: Clinical TI and morphological LAV% parameters correlated with BMD and TAC, in contrast to Fleischer-graded emphysema, which showed no correlation. However, only TI was an independent predictor of BMD, while the morphologically described type and extent of emphysema could not independently predict any extrapulmonary manifestation.
ABSTRACT
Background: COPD, combined with Osteoporosis, has a high incidence and potential for great harm. Choosing an optimal diagnostic method to achieve bone mineral density (BMD) screening is crucial for COPD patients. Studies on COPD patients with BMD reduction are lacking. Purpose: To identify the risk factors of BMD reduction and osteoporosis in COPD patients. Patients and Methods: We included a total of 81 patients with AECOPD, who were admitted to the hospital from July 1, 2019, to January 31, 2020. Patients were grouped into BMD normal group, BMD reduced group and OP group. The areas under ROC curve were used to explore the value of CT values in the diagnosis of bone abnormality, and clinical indicators were collected. Results: The CT value of the vertebral cancellous bone is highly correlated with the T value of BMD (R > 5.5, P < 0.0001). Using multivariate Logistic regression analysis, we showed that COPD duration, BMI, 25-hydroxyvitamin D3, and long-term inhaled glucocorticoid were independent factors affecting different BMD levels in COPD patients. No significant difference in bone formation indexes between groups. ß-crossL was negatively correlated with serum IL-6 (r=-0.254, P=0.022), and ALP was positively correlated with serum TNF-α (r=0.284, P=0.023). Conclusion: Thoracolumbar vertebral cancellous bone CT has potential value in the diagnosis of bone abnormality. COPD duration, BMI, 25-hydroxyvitamin D3, and long-term inhaled glucocorticoid may contribute to the BMD reduction in COPD patients, and serum IL-6 and TNF-α regulate bone metabolism in COPD patients.
ABSTRACT
Atopobium minutum (A. minutum) has rarely been documented in human infections. However, this report describes a case involving a 52-year-old woman who developed empyema and lung collapse due to A. minutum. She initially presented to the emergency department with nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, and abdominal pain. Her condition quickly declined within the first day of arrival, leading to respiratory failure and requiring intubation and ICU-level care. Despite receiving intensive antibiotic treatment, the patient needed prolonged intubation and a tracheostomy. Initial cultures indicated Streptococcus intermedius and Lactobacillus minutus, but final culture results identified A. minutum as the cause. This case highlights the difficulty in diagnosing A. minutum infections, often necessitating advanced DNA sequencing, and raises concerns about potential multidrug resistance. It highlights the importance of prompt identification of the pathogen by laboratories to allow for effective treatment of these rare infections.
ABSTRACT
Introduction: This study aimed to determine the frequency of thyroid gland involvement in chest CT scans of patients with COVID-19 admitted to university-affiliated hospitals and assess its relationship with the severity of lung involvement and patient survival in 2020. Material and methods: In this retrospective cross-sectional study, 1000 PCR-positive patients with COVID-19 who were referred to University-affiliated Hospital in 2020 and had chest CT performed within 72 hours of admission to the hospital were examined. The data was collected by patient file information and CT findings recorded in the PACS system, including thyroid involvement, the severity of lung involvement, and findings related to the death and recovery of patients. Results: The mean age of the examined patients was 56 years. 525 people (52.5%) were men, and 475 (47.5%) were women. 14% had severe pulmonary involvement, and 9.3% had very severe involvement. Moreover, 15.9 percent of them had deceased. 19.7% had focal thyroid involvement, 14% had diffuse involvement, and 66.3% were healthy subjects. Male gender and older age showed a significant relationship with thyroid gland involvement. The severity of lung involvement, the death rate in patients, and hospitalization in ICU were also significantly related to thyroid gland involvement in patients with COVID. Discussion and conclusion: This study highlights the importance of considering thyroid-gland involvement in the comprehensive management of COVID-19 patients. Routine screening and monitoring of thyroid-function may facilitate earlier detection and appropriate management of thyroid-related complications, potentially improving clinical outcomes. This study suggests that in COVID-19 infection the monitoring of thyroid function is prudent, particularly in cases of more serious disease.
Subject(s)
COVID-19 , SARS-CoV-2 , Severity of Illness Index , Tomography, X-Ray Computed , Humans , COVID-19/diagnostic imaging , COVID-19/mortality , COVID-19/epidemiology , Male , Female , Middle Aged , Retrospective Studies , Tomography, X-Ray Computed/methods , Cross-Sectional Studies , Aged , Adult , Thyroid Gland/diagnostic imaging , Thyroid Gland/pathology , Lung/diagnostic imaging , Pneumonia, Viral/diagnostic imaging , Pneumonia, Viral/mortality , Pneumonia, Viral/epidemiology , Pandemics , Thyroid Diseases/diagnostic imaging , Thyroid Diseases/epidemiology , Coronavirus Infections/diagnostic imaging , Coronavirus Infections/mortality , Coronavirus Infections/epidemiology , Betacoronavirus/isolation & purification , Survival RateABSTRACT
PURPOSE: To evaluate the quality of lung perfusion imaging obtained with photon-counting-detector CT (PCD-CT) in comparison with dual-source, dual-energy CT (DECT). METHODS: Seventy-one consecutive patients scanned with PCD-CT were compared to a paired population scanned with dual-energy on a 3rd-generation DS-CT scanner using (a) for DS-CT (Group 1): collimation: 64 × 0.6 × 2 mm; pitch: 0.55; (b) for PCD-CT (Group 2): collimation: 144 × 0.4 mm; pitch: 1.5; single-source acquisition. The injection protocol was similar in both groups with the reconstruction of perfusion images by subtraction of high- and low-energy virtual monoenergetic images. RESULTS: Compared to Group 1, Group 2 examinations showed: (a) a shorter duration of data acquisition (0.93 ± 0.1 s vs 3.98 ± 0.35 s; p < 0.0001); (b) a significantly lower dose-length-product (172.6 ± 55.14 vs 339.4 ± 75.64 mGy·cm; p < 0.0001); and (c) a higher level of objective noise (p < 0.0001) on mediastinal images. On perfusion images: (a) the mean level of attenuation did not differ (p = 0.05) with less subjective image noise in Group 2 (p = 0.049); (b) the distribution of scores of fissure visualization differed between the 2 groups (p < 0.0001) with a higher proportion of fissures sharply delineated in Group 2 (n = 60; 84.5% vs n = 26; 26.6%); (c) the rating of cardiac motion artifacts differed between the 2 groups (p < 0.0001) with a predominance of examinations rated with mild artifacts in Group 2 (n = 69; 97.2%) while the most Group 1 examinations showed moderate artifacts (n = 52; 73.2%). CONCLUSION: PCD-CT acquisitions provided similar morphologic image quality and superior perfusion imaging at lower radiation doses. CLINICAL RELEVANCE STATEMENT: The improvement in the overall quality of perfusion images at lower radiation doses opens the door for wider applications of lung perfusion imaging in clinical practice. KEY POINTS: The speed of data acquisition with PCD-CT accounts for mild motion artifacts. Sharply delineated fissures are depicted on PCD-CT perfusion images. High-quality perfusion imaging was obtained with a 52% dose reduction.
ABSTRACT
OBJECTIVES: SARS-CoV-2 infection could cause persistent lung injury or indicate potential genetic susceptibilities. Although infection-elicited hybrid immunity could protect against severe COVID-19, it remains unknown whether recent infection could reduce pneumonia risk during reinfection due to insufficient viral and chest computed tomography (CT) screening. METHODS: A total of 15,598 patients, 96% fully vaccinated and 52% boosted, from Xiangyang, China, who had symptomatic COVID-19 and chest CT scans during the first Omicron BF.7 wave in December 2022 to January 2023, were followed through the second Omicron XBB.1.5 wave between May and August 2023. A total of 17,968 second-wave patients with COVID-19 with chest CT scans but without previous symptomatic COVID-19 were enrolled as first-time infection controls. RESULTS: A total of 19.6% (3,061 of 15,598) first-wave patients were diagnosed with pneumonia. Among second-wave reinfected patients, only 0.2% (four of 2202) developed pneumonia, which was lower than the 1.7% (311 of 17,968) pneumonia prevalence among the second-wave first-time patients, with an adjusted relative risk of 0.11 (95% confidence interval: 0.04-0.29). A total of 1.3% (40 of 3,039) first-wave pneumonia survivors showed residual abnormal patterns in follow-up CT scans within 8 months after pneumonia diagnosis. CONCLUSIONS: In a highly vaccinated population, previous symptomatic Omicron infection within 8 months reduced pneumonia risk during reinfection. Uninfected individuals might need up-to-date vaccination to reduce pneumonia risk.
Subject(s)
COVID-19 , Reinfection , SARS-CoV-2 , Tomography, X-Ray Computed , Humans , COVID-19/epidemiology , COVID-19/prevention & control , COVID-19/diagnostic imaging , Male , Female , Middle Aged , Reinfection/epidemiology , Adult , China/epidemiology , Cohort Studies , Aged , COVID-19 Vaccines/immunology , COVID-19 Vaccines/administration & dosage , Lung/diagnostic imagingABSTRACT
PURPOSE: This study aimed to acquire an image quality consistent with that of full-dose chest computed tomography (CT) when obtaining low-dose chest CT images and to analyze the effects of block-matching and 3D (BM3D) filters on lung density measurements and noise reduction in lung parenchyma. METHODS: Using full-dose chest CT images, we evaluated lung density measurements and noise reduction in lung parenchyma images for low-dose chest CT. Three filters (median, Wiener, and the proposed BM3D) were applied to low-dose chest CT images for comparison and analysis with images from full-dose chest CT. To evaluate lung density measurements, we measured CT attenuation at the 15th percentile of the lung CT histogram. The coefficient of variation (COV) and contrast-to-noise ratio (CNR) were used to evaluate the noise level. RESULTS: The 15th percentile of the lung CT histogram showed the smallest difference between full- and low-dose CT when applying the BM3D filter, and the highest difference between full- and low-dose CT without filters (full-dose = - 926.28 ± 0.32, BM3D = - 926.65 ± 0.32, and low-dose = - 959.43 ± 0.95) (p < 0.05). The COV was smallest when applying the BM3D filter, whereas the CNR was the highest (p < 0.05). CONCLUSIONS: The results of the study prove that the BM3D filter can reduce image noise while increasing the reproducibility of the lung density, even for low-dose chest CT.
Subject(s)
Lung , Radiation Dosage , Signal-To-Noise Ratio , Tomography, X-Ray Computed , Humans , Pilot Projects , Lung/diagnostic imaging , Tomography, X-Ray Computed/methods , Reproducibility of Results , Male , Radiography, Thoracic , Female , Middle Aged , Imaging, Three-Dimensional/methods , Aged , AdultABSTRACT
BACKGROUND: While chest X-ray (CXR) is an efficient tool for expeditious detection of life-threatening injury, chest computed tomography (CCT) is more sensitive albeit with added time, cost, and radiation. Thus far, there is limited evidence and lack of consensus on the best imaging practices. We sought to determine the association between imaging modality and outcomes in isolated blunt thoracic trauma. METHODS: The 2017-2020 TQIP database was queried for adult patients who sustained isolated blunt chest trauma and underwent chest imaging within 24 hours of admission. Patients who underwent CCT were 2:1 propensity-score-matched to those who underwent CXR. The primary outcome was mortality, and the secondary outcomes were hospital and ICU length of stay (LOS), ICU admission, need for and days requiring mechanical ventilation, complications, and discharge location. RESULTS: Propensity score matching yielded 17 716 patients with CCT and 8861 with CXR. While bivariate analysis showed lower 24-hr (CCT .2% vs CXR .4%, P = .0015) and in-hospital mortality (CCT 1.2% vs CXR 1.5%, P = .0454) in the CCT group, there was no difference in survival probability between groups (P = .1045). A higher percentage of CCT patients were admitted to the ICU (CCT 26.9% vs CXR 21.9%, P < .0001) and discharged to rehab (CCT .8% vs CXR .5%, P = .0178). DISCUSSION: CT offers no survival benefit over CXR in isolated blunt thoracic trauma. While CCT should be considered if clinically unclear, CXR likely suffices as an initial screening tool. These findings facilitate optimal resource allocation in constrained environments.
ABSTRACT
Histiocytic sarcoma is an extremely rare disease that's hard to diagnose and treat, often leading to a poor prognosis. Here, we present a case report detailing a rare occurrence of HS in a 37-year-old pregnant woman who first presented with left shoulder pain, palpitations, and a productive cough at 20 weeks of gestation. Her diagnostic evaluations were performed, including different imaging modalities such as chest X-rays, CT scans, and MRI. Imaging revealed a large mediastinal mass with extensive involvement of the adrenal glands, lungs, and lymph nodes. The definitive diagnosis of HS is based on pathological and morphological features, and the immunohistochemistry report plays a key role. In our case, the diagnosis of HS was confirmed through pathological evaluation and immunohistochemistry, with a positive CD68 result obtained from a supraclavicular lymph node biopsy. A hospital committee comprising medical specialists like hematologists-oncologists, pathologists, pulmonologists, and obstetricians was brought together to assess the case collectively. The patient received chemotherapy, which alleviated her symptoms and maintained her condition. Based on the committee's recommendations, despite a healthy fetus and normal obstetric sonograms, the decision was made to terminate the pregnancy with the consent of the patient and her family. Despite initial improvement postchemotherapy, the patient's condition worsened, necessitating intubation. Tragically, two months after the initial admission, the patient passed away due to severe complications. In this case report, we provide a literature review and review of the patient's imaging reports. Since the patient is pregnant and HS is uncommon, it's important to highlight that this case is unique and worth sharing.
ABSTRACT
Multidisciplinary pulmonary embolism response teams (PERTs) have shown that timely triage expedites treatment. The use of artificial intelligence (AI) may help improve pulmonary embolism (PE) management with early CT pulmonary angiogram (CTPA) screening and accelerate PERT coordination. This study aimed to test the clinical validity of an FDA-approved PE AI algorithm. CTPA scan data of 200 patients referred due to automated AI detection of suspected PE were retrospectively reviewed. In our institution, all patients suspected of PE received a CTPA. The AI app was then used to analyze CTPA for the presence of PE and calculate the right-ventricle/left-ventricle (RV/LV) ratio. We compared the AI's output with the radiologists' report. Inclusion criteria included segmental PE with and without RV dysfunction and high-risk PE. The primary endpoint was false positive rate. Secondary end points included clinical outcomes according to the therapy selected, including catheter-directed interventions, systemic thrombolytics, and anticoagulation. Fifty-seven of 200 exams (28.5%) were correctly identified as positive for PE by the algorithm. A total of 143 exams (71.5%) were incorrectly reported as positive. In 8% of cases, PERT was consulted. Four patients (7%) received systemic thrombolytics without any complications. There were six patients (10.5%) who developed high-risk PE and underwent thrombectomy, one of whom died. Among 46 patients with acute PE without right heart strain, 44 (95%) survived. The false positive rate of our AI algorithm was 71.5%, higher than what was reported in the AI's prior clinical validity study (91% sensitivity, 100% specificity). A high rate of discordant AI auto-detection of suspected PE raises concerns about its diagnostic accuracy. This can lead to increased workloads for PERT consultants, alarm/notification fatigue, and automation bias. The AI direct notification process to the PERT team did not improve PERT triage efficacy.
ABSTRACT
PURPOSE: Some patients with pulmonary tuberculosis (PTB) do not display typical clinical features, leading to delays in diagnosis and treatment. METHODS: We retrospectively analyzed PTB patients admitted to the Second Affiliated Hospital of Chongqing Medical University between 2017 and 2020. They are divided into pathological group (diagnosed through pathological biopsy) and control group (diagnosed via sputum or lavage fluid). Clinical data of both groups were compared. Based on radiographic features, the pathological group was further divided into the inflammation group, peripheral nodule group, and central occupancy group. We then statistically analyzed the computed tomography (CT) signs, bronchoscopic manifestations and results of pathological biopsy for each subgroup. RESULTS: The pathological group consisted of 75 patients, while the control group had 338 patients. Multivariate logistic regression analysis showed that the pathological group had more diabetes (OR = 3.266, 95% CI = 1.609-6.630, P = 0.001), lower ESR (OR = 0.984, 95% CI = 0.971-0.998, P = 0.022), and lower CRP (OR = 0.990, 95% CI = 0.980-0.999, P = 0.036). In the three subgroups, the exudative lesions in the inflammation group were mostly located in atypical areas of PTB. The lobulation sign and spiculation sign were frequently observed in the peripheral nodule group. All presented with significant hilar mediastinal lymphadenopathy in the central occupancy group. In the pathological group, bronchoscopic manifestations typically included mucosal edema and bronchial stenosis. CONCLUSION: Diabetes is an independent risk factor for atypical PTB. Expression of erythrocyte sedimentation rate (ESR) and C-reactive protein (CRP) in atypical PTB is low. Radiologically, it is most easily misdiagnosed when presented as peripheral solid nodules or masses, so a biopsy is recommended.
ABSTRACT
BACKGROUND: Sarcoidosis staging primarily has relied on the Scadding chest radiographic system, although chest CT imaging is finding increased clinical use. RESEARCH QUESTION: Whether standardized chest CT scan assessment provides additional understanding of lung function beyond Scadding stage and demographics is unknown and the focus of this study. STUDY DESIGN AND METHODS: We used the National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute study Genomics Research in Alpha-1 Antitrypsin Deficiency and Sarcoidosis cases of sarcoidosis (n = 351) with Scadding stage and chest CT scans obtained in a standardized manner. One chest radiologist scored all CT scans with a visual scoring system, with a subset read by another chest radiologist. We compared demographic features, Scadding stage, and CT scan findings and the correlation between these measures. Associations between spirometry results and Dlco, CT scan findings, and Scadding stage were determined using regression analysis (n = 318). Agreement between readers was evaluated using Cohen's κ value. RESULTS: CT scan features were inconsistent with Scadding stage in approximately 40% of cases. Most CT scan features assessed on visual scoring were associated negatively with lung function. Associations persisted for FEV1 and Dlco when adjusting for Scadding stage, although some CT scan feature associations with FVC became insignificant. Scadding stage was associated primarily with FEV1, and inclusion of CT scan features reduced significance in association between Scadding stage and lung function. Multivariable regression modeling to identify radiologic measures explaining lung function included Scadding stage for FEV1 and FEV1 to FVC ratio (P < .05) and marginally for Dlco (P < .15). Combinations of CT scan measures accounted for Scadding stage for FVC. Correlations among Scadding stage and CT scan features were noted. Agreement between readers was poor to moderate for presence or absence of CT scan features and poor for degree and location of abnormality. INTERPRETATION: CT scan features explained additional variability in lung function beyond Scadding stage, with some CT scan features obviating the associations between lung function and Scadding stage. Whether CT scan features, phenotypes, or endotypes could be useful for managing patients with sarcoidosis needs more study.
ABSTRACT
Purpose: To explore the validity of the thoracic spine Hounsfield Unit (HU) measured by chest computed tomography (CT) for opportunistic screening of diabetic osteoporosis. The current study attempted to establish a diagnostic threshold for thoracic spine HU in a type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) population with osteoporosis. Patients and Methods: The current study retrospectively included 334 patients with T2DM. They underwent chest CT and Dual-energy X-ray (DXA) between August 2021 and January 2022 in our hospital. HU values were measured on the resulting chest CT images at thoracic spine 11 and 12 to construct regions of interest. All patients were grouped according to the lowest T-value of DXA examination: osteoporosis, osteopenia and normal bone density. HU values were compared with T-values in each group of patients, and receiver operating characteristics curves were plotted to calculate diagnostic thresholds as well as sensitivity and specificity. Results: There was a strong correlation between the HU values of chest CT and the T-values of DXA (p < 0.01). The sensitivity for osteoporosis was 88.7% for T11 attenuation≤ 98 HU and the specificity for osteoporosis was 87.5% for T12 attenuation ≤ 117HU; the specificity for normal BMD was 85.4% for T11 attenuation ≥ 147 HU and 82% for T12 attenuation ≥ 146 HU. Conclusion: Chest CT can be used to screen patients with T2DM for opportunistic osteoporosis and help determine if they need DXA screening. The current study suggests that when the HU threshold of T11 ≤ 98/T12 ≤ 117, patients may need further osteoporosis screening.