Bone mineral density measurements in otosclerosis using dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry.

OBJECTIVES

This study aims to evaluate patients with otosclerosis with respect to bone mineral density (BMD) at different regions of interest (ROI), using dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry (DXA).

DESIGN

Cross-sectional controlled study.

SETTING

Tertiary referral hospital.

PARTICIPANTS

The patients with a definite diagnosis of otosclerosis confirmed intra-operatively were defined as the study group (n = 30). The control group consisted of volunteer, healthy subjects with normal hearing (n = 43).

MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES: Following an audiometric evaluation, a venous blood sample was obtained and a single BMD measurement using DXA was applied to each participant.

RESULTS

The mean BMD, T and Z scores were higher in the otosclerosis group than in the control group in all the regions considered, but not significantly; only the L2-L3 lateral BMD and its T and Z scores were significant (P = 0.036, P = 0.029 and P = 0.036, respectively).

CONCLUSION

This study shows that the BMD does not decrease in the presence of otosclerosis despite its genetic and metabolic relevance with osteoporosis. Concerning the L2-L3 lateral BMD measurements, the BMD increased in otosclerosis.