Clinical interpretation of bone mineral density (BMD) can identify endocrine conditions and lead to effective treatment. In turn, effective treatment can lead to improvement in BMD. This statement will be highlighted by exploring three case studies. 1. A suspected, but difficult to confirm Cushing’s disease, successful surgical remission 2. Severe osteoporosis in 53 year old woman with low Z-score, investigation and diagnosis of Coeliac disease and 3. Disproportionately low BMD measurement of non-dominant distal radius 33% flagging investigation and subsequent treatment of primary hyperparathyroidism. These cases will draw attention to the ability of BMD to identify underlying (secondary) causes of osteoporosis when interpreted by the (experienced) clinician. With the initiation of appropriate treatment BMD can significantly improve and the outcome for the person raised.
Raising the outcomes in endocrine nursing.