BMD interpretation mistakes - case 9

First scan 12/2/97					Second scan 4/20/99
REGION	BMD g/cm2	T-score	Z-score		REGION	BMD g/cm2	T-score	Z-score
L1-4	.748	-3.60	-2.26		L1-4	.644	-3.66	-2.62

REPORT: (for the second scan):
Bone density was measured at L1 through L4. The patient's bone density is compared to young normal and age and sex matched individuals and to Lunar done 12/97. Osteoporosis is indicated at L1, L2, L3 and L4 with 61%, 58%, 62% and 64% bone density respectively of young normals. This corresponds to an average fall of 10% from previous study.
IMPRESSION: Osteoporosis is noted at the lumbar spine with a fall of 10% from 1997.
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On the basis of this report, the patient's physician told her to double her alendronate from 10 to 20 mg/day.