Prediction of thigh skeletal muscle mass using dual energy x-ray absorptiometry compared to magnetic resonance imaging after spinal cord injury |
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Authors: | Robert M Lester Mina P Ghatas Rehan M Khan |
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Institution: | 1. Spinal Cord Injury and Disorders, Hunter Holmes McGuire VA Medical Center, Richmond, Virginia, USA;2. Radiology Service, Hunter Holmes McGuire VA Medical Center, Richmond, Virginia, USA |
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Abstract: | Objectives: A rapid decline in lean mass (LM), fat-free mass (FFM) and increased intramuscular fat (IMF) predispose persons with spinal cord injury (SCI) to chronic medical conditions including dyslipidemia, insulin resistance, type 2 diabetes mellitus and cardiovascular disease. (1) To determine the relationship between dual energy x ray absorptiometry (DXA) and gold standard magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) LM values; (2) to develop predictive equations based on this relationship for assessing thigh LM in persons with chronic SCI.Study Design: Cross-sectional predicational design.Settings: Clinical research medical center.Participants: Thirty-two men with chronic (>1 y post-injury) motor complete SCI.Methods: Participants completed total body DXA scans to determine thigh LM and were compared to measurements acquired from trans-axial MRI.Outcome measures: MRI was used to measure whole muscle mass (MMMRI-WM), absolute muscle mass (MMMRI-ABS) after excluding IMF, and knee extensor muscle mass (MMMRI-KE). DXA was used to measure thigh LM (LMDXA) and (FFMDXA). To predict MMMRI-KE, LMDXA was multiplied by 0.52 and yielded LMDXA-KE.Results: LMDXA predicted MMMRI-WM r2?=?0.90, standard error of the estimate (SEE)?=?0.23?kg, P?<?0.0001] and MMMRI-ABS (r2?=?0.82, SEE?=?0.28?kg, P?<?0.0001). LMDXA-KE predicted MMMRI-KE (r2?=?0.78, SEE?=?0.16?kg, P?<?0.0001).Conclusion: DXA measurements revealed an acceptable agreement with the gold standard MRI and may be a viable alternative for assessing thigh skeletal muscle mass after SCI. |
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Keywords: | Spinal cord injury Dual energy x-ray absorptiometry Magnetic resonance imaging Lean mass |
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