American College of Radiology

Breast Cancer Screening Recommendations

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A. Indications for bone densities include, but are not limited to, individuals with suspected abnormal bone mineral density, 

 

1. All women aged 65 years and older and men aged 70 years and older (asymptomatic screening)

 

2. All postmenopausal women younger than 65 years and men younger than 70 years who have risk factors for osteoporosis including:

• A history of fracture of the wrist, hip, spine, or proximal humerus with minimal or no trauma, excluding pathologic fractures

• Family history of osteoporotic fracture

• Low body mass (less than 127 lbs or 57.6 kg)

• Current use of cigarettes

• Excessive use of alcohol

• Loss of height, thoracic kyphosis

 

3. Individuals of any age with findings suggestive of demineralization or fragility fractures on imaging studies such as radiographs, computed tomography (CT), or magnetic resonance imaging (MRI)

 

4. Individuals receiving (or expected to receive) glucocorticoid therapy for more than 3 months

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5. Individuals beginning or receiving long-term therapy with medications known to adversely affect bone mineral density (eg, anticonvulsant drugs, androgen deprivation therapy, aromatase inhibitor therapy, or chronic heparin)

 

6. Although proton pump inhibitors (PPIs) may be associated with an increased risk of fragility fractures, routine or screening bone mineral density is not recommended in patients receiving PPIs in the absence of other risk factors [24]

 

7. Individuals with an endocrine disorder known to adversely affect bone mineral density(eg, hyperparathyroidism, hyperthyroidism, or Cushing’s syndrome)

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