Total body and regional bone mineral analysis by dual-photon absorptiometry in Paget's disease of bone.

Total body density (TBD), total body bone mineral (TBBM) and bone mineral content of major anatomical skeletal areas were measured in 66 patients with Paget's disease of bone (54 polyostotic; 12 monostotic; 38 males; 28 females; 38-88 years), by dual-photon absorptiometry (153 Gd). TBD was elevated in 23 males and three females with Paget's disease; a statistically significant correlation was found between elevated values of TBD and a widespread extent of the disease. The mean value of TBBM was higher in pagetic males, while in pagetic females it was similar to normal subjects. The separate analysis of anatomical areas allowed us to appreciate increased values of bone mineral content in head, trunk, spine, pelvis, arms. Moreover in 28 patients with easily detectable pagetic lesions of long bones, 38 specific regions of interest (ROI) were evaluated: pagetic areas showed significantly higher values of bone density and bone mineral content in comparison with contralateral uninvolved areas.