In patients with anorexia or bulimia, which test is used to assess bone mineral density?

• A. DEXA Scan
• B. Comprehensive Metabolic Panel
• C. Electrocardiogram
• D. Echocardiogram

Answer: (A)

Bone density testing in eating disorders is best done with a DEXA scan, which directly measures bone mineral density. Dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry assesses density at key sites such as the lumbar spine and hip, providing a numerical T-score and Z-score to diagnose osteopenia or osteoporosis and to track change over time. In conditions like anorexia or bulimia, malnutrition and low estrogen levels accelerate bone loss, so quantifying density helps guide treatment and monitoring.

The other tests don’t evaluate bone density. A comprehensive metabolic panel checks electrolytes and organ function, an electrocardiogram looks at heart rhythm, and an echocardiogram assesses heart structure and motion. While important for overall health and specific complications, they do not measure bone mineral density.