Incidental findings on a DXA scan: the unattended innocents

Dual energy X-ray Absorptiometry (DXA) scan is the gold standard for assessing and monitoring bone mineral density. Clear guidelines are given by ISCD and other societies as to the appropriate use of this modality. However, as with other imaging modalities, a DXA scan can reveal incidental findings that must be mentioned in the report. Often times an adequate history of the patient will define the cause of nonspecific artifact on DXA imaging underscoring the importance of appropriate history taking for scanning.