Peripheral quantitative computed tomography-derived muscle density and peripheral magnetic resonance imaging-derived muscle adiposity: precision and associations with fragility fractures in women

Early human evidence such as case series or small samples is exploring possible benefits.

• Level A · Stronger Clinical Evidence
• Level B · Emerging clinical evidence with positive signals
• Level C · Early human research exploring benefits
• Level D · Scientific groundwork from lab and animal studies
• Emerging · Emerging topic under active research

Abstract (original English)

Purpose To determine the degree to which muscle density and fractures are explained by inter and intramuscular fat (IMF). Methods Women ⋝50 years of age (Hamilton, ON, Canada) had peripheral magnetic resonance imaging and peripheral quantitative computed tomography scans at 66% of the tibial length. Muscle on computed tomography images was segmented from subcutaneous fat and bone using fixed thresholds, computing muscle density. IMF was segmented from muscle within magnetic resonance images using a region-growing algorithm, computing IMF volume. Fracture history over the last 14 years was obtained. Odds ratios for fractures were determined for muscle density, adjusting for IMF volume, total hip BMD, age and body mass index. Results Women with a history of fractures were older (N=32, age:75.6±8.3 years) than those without (N=39, age: 67.0±5.2 years) ( Conclusions Muscle adiposity represents only 50% of the muscle density measurement. Properties of muscle beyond its adiposity may be related to fractures, but larger and prospective studies are needed to confirm these associations.

Evidence level

Early human evidence such as case series or small samples is exploring possible benefits.

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