Volume 32, Issue 4 (Winter 2026)
Journal of Translational Medical Research. 2026, 32(4): 316-325 |
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Research code: 456170
Ethics code: IR.BUMS.REC.1399.331
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Imani Avaz M, Saremi Z, Soroosh Z, Ziaee A, Azarkar G. Prevalence of diffuse idiopathic skeletal hyperostosis based on chest computed tomography scans, 2019-2020. Journal of Translational Medical Research. 2026; 32 (4) :316-325
URL: http://journal.bums.ac.ir/article-1-3556-en.html
URL: http://journal.bums.ac.ir/article-1-3556-en.html
1- Internal Medicine Department of Radiology, Valiasr Hospital, Birjand University of Medical Sciences, Birjand, Iran
2- Department of Internal Medicine (Rheumatology), Valiasr Hospital, Birjand University of Medical Sciences, Birjand, Iran
3- Department of Community and Family Medicine, Social Determinants of Health Research Center, School of Medicine, Birjand University of Medical Sciences, Birjand, Iran
4- Farabi Eye Research Centre, Farabi Eye Hospital, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
5- Infectious Diseases Research Center, Birjand University of Medical Sciences, Birjand, Iran ,gh.azarkar@yahoo.com
2- Department of Internal Medicine (Rheumatology), Valiasr Hospital, Birjand University of Medical Sciences, Birjand, Iran
3- Department of Community and Family Medicine, Social Determinants of Health Research Center, School of Medicine, Birjand University of Medical Sciences, Birjand, Iran
4- Farabi Eye Research Centre, Farabi Eye Hospital, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
5- Infectious Diseases Research Center, Birjand University of Medical Sciences, Birjand, Iran ,
Abstract: (106 Views)
| Background and Aims: Diffuse idiopathic skeletal hyperostosis (DISH) is a non-inflammatory metabolic disorder of the spine characterized by progressive ligament ossification and increasing prevalence with age. Since chest CT is commonly performed for non-orthopedic indications, opportunistic assessment may provide a more accurate prevalence estimate. This study aimed to determine the prevalence and thoracic involvement pattern of DISH on chest CT at a referral hospital in Birjand, Iran. Materials and Methods: In this retrospective cross-sectional study, chest CT scans of 1,000 patients aged ≥16 years who had undergone imaging at Vali-Asr Hospital, Birjand, South Khorasan, Iran, between March 2019 and February 2020 were retrospectively reviewed. After exclusions, 949 records were analyzed. DISH was diagnosed using the Resnick–Niwayama criteria with independent review by two radiologists. Results: Among 949 patients, 125 cases had DISH (13.18%; 95% CI: 11.1–15.4). Mean age was higher in affected patients (70.8±13.8 years) than in those without DISH (66.2±10.5; P<0.001). Prevalence rates were 16.4% and 10.2% in males and females, respectively. Overweight (BMI 25–29.9) was present in 64% of cases. The most common comorbidities were hypertension (34.4%), dyslipidemia (24.0%), and diabetes (20.0%). Back pain (58.4%) and symptoms suggestive of spinal canal stenosis (57.6%) predominated. Thoracic involvement occurred at T5–T8 in 100%, T9–T12 in 95.2%, and T1–T4 in 47.2%. Vertebral fracture was observed in 15.2%, and posterior longitudinal ligament calcification in 4.0%. Conclusion: Thoracic DISH prevalence on chest CT was 13.18% and was associated with older age and male gender. These findings support opportunistic reporting of DISH during chest CT interpretation, cardiometabolic risk assessment, and referral when compressive symptoms are present. |
Type of Study: Original Article |
Subject:
Radiology
Received: 2025/10/18 | Accepted: 2026/01/21 | ePublished ahead of print: 2026/02/20 | ePublished: 2026/02/20
Received: 2025/10/18 | Accepted: 2026/01/21 | ePublished ahead of print: 2026/02/20 | ePublished: 2026/02/20
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