PURPOSE

Anorexia nervosa is a psychiatric disorder characterized by self-imposed fasting and significant weight loss, leading to nutrient deficiencies that disrupt bone metabolism. This cross-sectional observational study aimed to characterize the bone health of women with anorexia nervosa using dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry (DXA), trabecular bone score (TBS), and 3D shaper analysis.

METHODS

The study involved 12 women diagnosed with anorexia nervosa monitored by a multidisciplinary team and 11 control subjects. Both groups underwent blood sampling and assessments with DXA, TBS, and 3D shaper analysis.

RESULTS

The results indicated that areal bone mineral density (aBMD) and Z-scores at the total hip and femoral neck were significantly lower in the anorexia group compared to controls (p < 0.05). Additionally, the fat mass index was reduced in women with anorexia (p < 0.05). Appendicular lean mass index (ALMI) was similar between the two groups. 3D shaper analysis revealed that surface BMD (sBMD), volumetric BMD (vBMD), integral vBMD, and trabecular vBMD were generally lower in the anorexia group. Associations were found between proximal femur 3D parameters and total hip and femoral neck aBMD. Moreover, significant correlations were observed between total cortical vBMD, total cortical sBMD, integral vBMD, and TBS. ALMI was associated with total cortical thickness and showed a trend toward association with femoral neck Z-score.

CONCLUSION

In addition to previous studies indicating bone impairment in AN using DXA and TBS, the present study suggests that the 3D Shaper is also capable of detecting bone loss in this disorder. Therefore, the data encourage the further studies to assess the role of the 3D Shaper in prediction of fracture.