How does the side of lumbar disc herniation influence the psoas muscle size at the L4-5 level in patients operated for unilateral hip arthroplasty?

Study Design: Retrospective study.

Objection: There can be a relationship between degenerative diseases in the spine and hip.

Summary of Background Data: Degenerative diseases in the spine and hip may occur concomitantly. This study was done to investigate the cross-sectional area of psoas muscle size and incidence of lumbar disc herniation after unilateral hip arthroplasty.

Methods: The data files of patients who were operated on for unilateral hip arthroplasty between January 2014- and 15 May 2021 at the Recep Tayyip Erdogan University Hospital were retrospectively analysed for the relationship between the psoas muscle volume and the incidence of lumbar disc herniation. The patients were divided according to their operated sides.

Results: The data files of 48 patients were retrospectively analysed. The patients were divided into two groups according to the operated side of their hip joints. Gender and age differences were not significant, and the mean ages were 68,68 years old in the right hip arthroplasty group, and 69,39 in the left hip arthroplasty group.

Conclusions: A complex interaction between the development of lumbar disc herniations and increased contralateral cross-sectional area of the psoas muscle at the L4-5 level was observed in patients operated for unilateral hip arthroplasty. This interaction can be a compensatory mechanism to counteract the spinal imbalance.

Reliability of Ultrasound Shear Wave Elastography for Evaluating Psoas Major and Quadratus Lumborum Stiffness: Gender and Physical Activity Effects

OBJECTIVE

We aimed to assess the reliability of quantifying psoas major (PM) and quadratus lumborum (QL) stiffness with ultrasound shear wave elastography (SWE), and to explore the effects of gender and physical activity on muscle stiffness.

METHODS

Fifty-two healthy participants (18-32 y) were recruited. To determine reliability, 29 of them underwent repeated SWE measurements of PM and QL stiffness by an operator on the same day. The intra-class correlation coefficients (ICC3,1), standard error of measurement (SEM) and minimal detectable change with 95% confidence interval (MDC95) were calculated. The rest participants underwent a single measurement. Two-way MANCOVA was conducted for the effects of gender and physical activity on muscle stiffness.

RESULTS

The observed reliability for PM (ICC3,1 = 0.89-0.92) and QL (ICC3,1 = 0.79-0.82) were good-to-excellent and good, respectively. The SEM (kPa) was 0.79-1.03 and 1.23-1.28, and the MDC95 (kPa) was 2.20-2.85 and 3.41-3.56 for PM and QL, respectively. After BMI adjustment, both gender (PM: F = 10.15, p = 0.003; QL: F = 18.07, p < 0.001) and activity level (PM: F = 5.90, p = 0.005; QL: F = 6.33, p = 0.004) influenced muscle stiffness. The female and inactive groups exhibited higher stiffness in both muscles.

CONCLUSION

SWE is reliable for quantifying the stiffness of PM and QL. Female and physical inactivity may elevate PM and QL stiffness, underscoring the importance of accounting for these factors in muscle stiffness investigations. Larger prospective studies are needed to further elucidate their effects.

The psoas muscle index as a useful predictor of total hip arthroplasty outcomes

INTRODUCTION

The aim of this study is to assess the association between the psoas muscle index (PMI) and total hip arthroplasty (THA) outcomes. This is a critical issue as sarcopenia has been associated with poor patient satisfaction post-THA.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

This was a retrospective case-control study of 205 THAs, with a mean follow-up of 3.6 (range, 2.0-5.5) years. Age, sex, serum immune markers, spinopelvic parameters, PMI (quantified as the cross-sectional area of the psoas, bilaterally, at L3 divided by the individual's height squared), and patient-reported outcomes were compared between patients 'with' (n = 118) and 'without' (n = 87) achievement of a minimum clinically important difference (MCID) improvement in the EuroQol 5-Dimension (EQ-5D), post-THA. Logistic regression and receiver operating characteristic curve analyses were used to identify predictive factors.

RESULTS

A ≥ MCID improvement in the EQ-5D was associated with the PMI (odds ratio, 0.75; 95% confidence interval, 0.63-0.91; P = 0.028), prognostic nutritional index (odds ratio, 0.85; 95% confidence interval, 0.45-0.94; P = 0.043), and age (odds ratio, 1.09; 95% confidence interval, 1.01-1.18; P = 0.044). After adjusting the PMI threshold to 4.0 cm2/m2 for females and 6.4 cm2/m2 for males, there were significant differences in serum factors (P = 0.041 for albumin and P = 0.016 for a prognostic nutritional index < 40), MCID (P < 0.001 for EQ-5D, P < 0.001 for low back pain, and P = 0.008 for the Hip Disability and Osteoarthritis Outcome Score Joint Replacement score), patient satisfaction (P = 0.003), and T1 pelvic angle (P = 0.030).

CONCLUSION

The PMI, which is associated with nutritional status and global sagittal spinal deformity, does predict THA outcomes. Therefore, it can be useful when discussing THA expectations with patients.

Psoas Muscle Area as a Predictor of Transcatheter Aortic Valve Implantation Outcomes

BACKGROUND

Frailty is a well-recognised predictor of outcomes after transcatheter aortic valve implantation (TAVI). Psoas muscle area (PMA) is a surrogate marker for sarcopaenia and is a validated assessment tool for frailty. The objective of this study was to examine frailty as a predictor of outcomes in TAVI patients and assess the prognostic usefulness of adding PMA to established frailty assessments.

METHODS

Frailty assessments were performed on 220 consecutive patients undergoing TAVI. These assessments used four markers (serum albumin, handgrip strength, gait speed, and a cognitive assessment), which were combined to form a composite frailty score. Preprocedural computed tomography scans were used to calculate cross-sectional PMA for each patient. The primary outcomes were all-cause mortality at 1-year and post-procedure length of hospital stay.

RESULTS

Frailty status, as defined by the composite frailty score, was independently predictive of length of hospital stay (p=0.001), but not predictive of 1-year mortality (p=0.161). Albumin (p=0.036) and 5-metre walk test (p=0.003) were independently predictive of 1-year mortality. The PMA, when adjusted for gender, and normalised according to body surface area, was not predictive of 1-year mortality. Normalised PMA was associated with increased post-procedure length of stay within the female population (p=0.031).

CONCLUSIONS

A low PMA is associated with increased length of hospital stay in female TAVI patients but does not provide additional predictive value over traditional frailty scores. The PMA was not shown to correlate with TAVI-related complications or 1-year mortality.

Correlation between preoperative CT scan of the paraspinal, psoas, and gluteus muscles and postoperative ambulatory status in patients with femoral neck fractures

BACKGROUND

This study aimed to investigate the relationship between femoral neck fractures and sarcopenia.

METHODS

This was a retrospective analysis of 92 patients with femoral neck fractures, from September 2017 to March 2020, who were classified into high ambulatory status (HG) and low ambulatory status (LG) groups. Ambulatory status was assessed before surgery, one week after surgery, at discharge, and during the final follow-up. To evaluate sarcopenia, muscle mass and fatty degeneration of the muscles were measured using preoperative CT. An axial slice of the superior end of the L5 vertebra was used to evaluate the paraspinal and psoas muscles, a slice of the superior end of the femoral head for the gluteus maximus muscle, and a slice of the inferior end of the sacroiliac joint for the gluteus medius muscle. The degeneration of the muscles was evaluated according to the Goutallier classification.

RESULTS

The cross-sectional area of the gluteus medius and paraspinal muscles was significantly correlated with ambulatory status before the injury, at discharge, and during the final follow-up.

CONCLUSIONS

Measurement of the gluteus medius and paraspinal muscles has the potential to evaluate sarcopenia and predict ambulatory status after femoral neck fractures.

Psoas muscle area is an independent survival prognosticator in patients undergoing surgery for long-bone metastases

BACKGROUND

Predictive analytics is gaining popularity as an aid to treatment planning for patients with bone metastases, whose expected survival should be considered. Decreased psoas muscle area (PMA), a morphometric indicator of suboptimal nutritional status, has been associated with mortality in various cancers, but never been integrated into current survival prediction algorithms (SPA) for patients with skeletal metastases. This study investigates whether decreased PMA predicts worse survival in patients with extremity metastases and whether incorporating PMA into three modern SPAs (PATHFx, SORG-NG, and SORG-MLA) improves their performance.

METHODS

One hundred eighty-five patients surgically treated for long-bone metastases between 2014 and 2019 were divided into three PMA tertiles (small, medium, and large) based on their psoas size on CT. Kaplan-Meier, multivariable regression, and Cox proportional hazards analyses were employed to compare survival between tertiles and examine factors associated with mortality. Logistic regression analysis was used to assess whether incorporating adjusted PMA values enhanced the three SPAs' discriminatory abilities. The clinical utility of incorporating PMA into these SPAs was evaluated by decision curve analysis (DCA).

RESULTS

Patients with small PMA had worse 90-day and 1-year survival after surgery (log-rank test p < 0.001). Patients in the large PMA group had a higher chance of surviving 90 days (odds ratio, OR, 3.72, p = 0.02) and 1 year than those in the small PMA group (OR 3.28, p = 0.004). All three SPAs had increased AUC after incorporation of adjusted PMA. DCA indicated increased net benefits at threshold probabilities >0.5 after the addition of adjusted PMA to these SPAs.

CONCLUSIONS

Decreased PMA on CT is associated with worse survival in surgically treated patients with extremity metastases, even after controlling for three contemporary SPAs. Physicians should consider the additional prognostic value of PMA on survival in patients undergoing consideration for operative management due to extremity metastases.

Computed tomography-based abdominal sarcopenic indices and bio-impedance analysis-based skeletal muscle mass index in hemodialyzed patients

BACKGROUND AND AIMS

Information about muscle wasting in hemodialyzed patients evaluated using computed tomography (CT) is limited. The present study aimed to examine the relationships between CT-based abdominal sarcopenic indices and bio-impedance analysis (BIA)-based skeletal muscle mass index (SMMI) in these patients.

METHODS

A total of 100 consecutive maintenance hemodialyzed patients who underwent CT and BIA were included. The psoas muscle index (PMI), paraspinous muscle index (PSMI), and abdominal skeletal muscle index (ASMI) were calculated by adjusting each muscle area to the height square. The psoas muscle thickness per height (PMTH) was measured using a single cross-sectional CT image obtained at the level of the third lumbar vertebra. The relationships between these CT-based sarcopenic indices and the BIA-based SMMI were examined. Moreover, the diagnostic values of these CT-based indices for BIA-defined muscle wasting (defined by the sex-specific SMMI: males, <7.0 kg/m2; females, <5.7 kg/m2) were investigated.

RESULTS

The PMI, PMTH, PSMI, and ASMI were significantly correlated with the SMMI (r = 0.678, 0.760, 0.708, and 0.785, respectively; p < 0.0001 for all). Twenty-eight patients with reduced muscle mass determined by BIA were identified. After age-sex adjustment, a multivariate logistic regression analysis revealed that the C-statistics of the PMI, PMTH, PSMI, and ASMI for the diagnosis of low muscle mass were 0.863 (p = 0.0099), 0.870 (p = 0.013), 0.891 (p = 0.040), and 0.950 (reference), respectively.

CONCLUSIONS

CT-based abdominal sarcopenic indices presented here may be useful for evaluating muscle wasting in hemodialyzed patients; the ASMI may be the most recommended sarcopenic index for such evaluations.

Association between reduced muscle mass and poor prognosis of biliary sepsis

Sepsis is a life-threatening disease, contributing to significant morbidity and mortality. This study aimed to investigate the association between low muscle mass and the prognosis of patients with biliary sepsis, focusing on outcomes such as length of hospital stay (LOS), intensive care unit (ICU) admission, and in-hospital mortality. This retrospective, single-center, observational study included adult patients with biliary sepsis who visited the emergency department between January 2016 and December 2021. Low muscle mass was assessed using the psoas muscle index (PMI). Using computed tomography imaging, the area of both sides of the psoas muscle at the L3 level was measured, and the PMI, corrected by the patient's height was calculated. The primary outcome was in-hospital mortality, and the secondary outcomes were intensive care unit (ICU) admission, LOS, and 14-day mortality. A total of 745 patients were included in this study. Low muscle mass was defined as a PMI < 421 mm2/m2 for males and < 268 mm2/m2 for females with the lower quartile of PMI according to sex. The cohort was classified into sarcopenic (n = 189) and non-sarcopenic (n = 556) groups. There was a significant association between low muscle mass and in-hospital mortality (odds ratio, 3.81; 95% confidence interval, 1.08-13.47; p < 0.001), while there was no significant association between low muscle mass and ICU admission. In addition, the median LOS in the sarcopenic group (10 [7-14] days) was significantly longer than the median (8 [6-11] days) in the non-sarcopenic group. Low muscle mass was significantly associated with clinical outcomes, particularly in-hospital mortality and LOS, in patients with biliary sepsis.

Oblique Lumbar Interbody Fusion at L5-S1 Segment Through an Approach Between the Psoas Muscle and the Great Vessels

Over the years, the oblique lateral interbody fusion (OLIF) technique has gained significant recognition for treating various spinal conditions in lumbar segments L2-L5. However, the adoption of OLIF for the L5-S1 segment has not been widely embraced by the spinal surgery community, given that significant concerns remain regarding the applicability of OLIF for lumbosacral fusion. In this study, a cohort of 20 patients underwent interbody fusion at the L5-S1 level using the OLIF technique through a single retroperitoneal oblique approach positioned between the Psoas muscle and the great vessels. The procedure involved discectomy and endplate preparation accomplished through a surgical window created on the anterolateral side of the L5-S1 disc. For secure interbody fusion cage placement, a supplementary cage insertion approach was employed. All patients were followed up for a minimum of 12 months. The mean preoperative visual analog scale (VAS) score for lower back pain was 6.3 ± 1.5 and experienced a significant reduction to 1.2 ± 0.8 at 12 months. The VAS score for lower limb pain significantly decreased from 5.6 ± 1.4 preoperatively to 0.8 ± 0.3 at 12 months after the surgery. Furthermore, the preoperative Oswestry disability index (ODI) improved from 82.4% ± 16.2% to 8.1% ± 2.0% at 12 months. Radiographic evaluations after surgery confirmed improved lumbosacral junction reconstruction for all patients. At the final follow-up, successful bony fusion was observed in all cases. Based on these findings, the OLIF technique for L5-S1 fusion represents an attainable approach for lumbosacral reconstruction. The procedure's success hinges on a comprehensive preoperative plan and precise intraoperative techniques.

Psoas muscle area is associated with prognosis in elderly patients with hip fracture

INTRODUCTION

Sarcopenia is a key predictor of prognosis in patients with hip fractures. This study utilized computed tomography (CT) scan (1) to determine the association between psoas muscle cross-sectional area (CSA) and mortality, along with other muscles, and (2) to confirm the correlation between muscle CSA and appendicular lean mass (ALM) measured using DXA in elderly patients with hip fracture.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Patients who were aged ≥ 50 years and underwent surgical treatment for hip fracture were eligible for this study. After a series of exclusion criteria, 217 female patients were included. Patient data, including clinical characteristics, such as body mass index (BMI), CSA, and ALM, were retrospectively collected. The Kaplan-Meier survival method and Cox proportional hazards regression analysis were used for the statistical analyses. The correlation between CSA/BMI and ALM was also assessed.

RESULTS

Patients in the lowest quartile of psoas muscle CSA/BMI had shorter survival times than those in the other quartiles. When the Cox proportional hazards regression analysis was adjusted for multiple variables, the lowest quartile of the CSA/BMI of the psoas was a risk factor for mortality. The CSA/BMI of the psoas showed the highest correlation coefficient. The CSA/BMI ratio of the other muscles showed a moderately positive correlation with ALM.

CONCLUSION

The CSA of the psoas is associated with prognosis in elderly patients with hip fractures and shows a moderately positive correlation with ALM. Hence, the CSA of psoas is useful for predicting survival and muscle mass in elderly patients with hip fractures.

Myosteatosis as a novel predictor of new-onset diabetes mellitus after kidney transplantation

OBJECTIVES

We evaluate the effect of myosteatosis on new-onset diabetes mellitus after kidney transplantation.

METHODS

Consecutive patients who had renal transplant between 2006 and 2021 were reviewed, and 219 patients were finally included. Psoas muscle index was used to evaluate sarcopenia and average total psoas density (calculated by computed tomography before surgery) for myosteatosis. We used Cox proportional regression analyses in investigation of whether skeletal muscle depletion before surgery inclusive of sarcopenia and myosteatosis is a new additional predictor of new-onset diabetes mellitus.

RESULTS

Median recipient age and body mass index were 45 years and 21.1 kg/m2 , respectively, and 123 patients (56%) were male. Preoperative impaired glucose tolerance was present in 58 patients (27%) and new-onset diabetes mellitus in 30 patients (14%), with median psoas muscle index of 6 cm2 /m2 and average total psoas density of 41 Hounsfield Unit. In multivariate analysis, significant risk factors were body mass index ≥25 kg/m2 (p < 0.01), impaired glucose tolerance (p < 0.01), and average total psoas density < 41.9 Hounsfield Unit (p = 0.03). New-onset diabetes mellitus had incidence rates of 3.7% without risk factors, 10% with a single risk factor, 33% with two, and 60% with three. Patients with new-onset diabetes mellitus were effectively stratified by the number of risk factors (p < 0.01).

CONCLUSIONS

Myosteatosis could be a new risk factor used to predict new-onset diabetes mellitus.

Preoperative low muscle mass and early postoperative outcomes in children undergoing living donor liver transplantation: A retrospective study

Low skeletal muscle mass may develop in children with end-stage liver disease, affecting postoperative outcomes. We retrospectively investigated whether preoperative low muscle mass was associated with early postoperative outcomes in pediatric patients undergoing living donor liver transplantation (LDLT). Electronic medical records of children (age below 12 y) who underwent LDLT between February 1, 2007, and January 31, 2018, were reviewed. The cross-sectional areas of psoas, quadratus lumborum, and erector spinae muscles at the level of fourth-fifth lumbar intervertebral disks were measured using abdominal CT images, divided by the square of the height and were added to obtain the total skeletal muscle index (TSMI). The patients were divided into two groups according to the median TSMI in the second quintile (1859.1 mm 2 /m 2 ). Complications in the early postoperative period (within 30 d after surgery) classified as Clavien-Dindo grade 3 or higher were considered major complications. Logistic regression analyses were performed to determine the association between preoperative low muscle mass and early postoperative outcomes. In the study population of 123 patients (median age, 14 mo; range, 8-38 mo) who underwent LDLT, 29% and 71% were classified in the low (mean TSMI, 1642.5 ± 187.0 mm 2 /m 2 ) and high (mean TSMI 2188.1 ± 273.5 mm 2 /m 2 ) muscle mass groups, respectively. The rates of major complications, mechanical ventilation >96 hours, intensive care unit stay >14 days, hospital stay >30 days, and in-hospital mortality were not significantly different between the 2 groups. Additionally, adverse outcomes according to pediatric end-stage liver disease scores and sex were not significantly different between the 2 groups. In conclusion, preoperative low muscle mass defined by TSMI was not associated with early postoperative outcomes in pediatric patients undergoing LDLT.

Femoral nerve palsy as a complication due to COVID-19 coagulopathy and iliopsoas muscle hematoma - case report

BACKGROUND

COVID-19 (Coronavirus disease 2019) pandemic is the main medical problem around the world from the end of 2019. We found until now many symptoms of this disease, but one of the most problematic was thrombosis. Wide recommendation on COVID-19 treatment was pharmacological thromboprophylaxis. In some papers we found that clinicians face the problem of bleeding in those patients. Is still unknown that coronavirus could led to the coagulopathy.

CASE PRESENTATION

We described case report of patient who with COVID-19 disease present femoral nerve palsy caused by the iliopsoas hematoma. There were no deviations in coaguology parameters, patient got standard thromboprophylaxis, besides above probably COVID-19 was risk factor of hematoma formation. Non-operative treatment was applied, thrombophylaxis was discontinued. In the follow up in the radiological exam we saw reduction of the haematoma and patient report decrease of symptoms.

CONCLUSIONS

We should assess individually patient with COVID-19 according to thrombosis risk factors. Probably we should be more careful in ordering thrombophylaxis medications in COVID-19 patients.

Sarcopenia and anthracycline cardiotoxicity in patients with cancer

BACKGROUND

Several studies have suggested that sarcopenia is associated with an increased treatment toxicity in patients with cancer. The aim of this study is to evaluate the relationship between sarcopenia and anthracycline-related cardiotoxicity.

METHODS

Patients who received anthracycline-based chemotherapy between 2014 and 2018 and had baseline abdominal CT and baseline and follow-up echocardiography after anthracycline treatment were included. European Society of Cardiology ejection fraction criteria and American Society of Echocardiography diastolic dysfunction criteria were used for definition of cardiotoxicity. Sarcopenia was defined on the basis of skeletal muscle index (SMI) and psoas muscle index (PMI) calculated on CT images at L3 and L4 vertebra levels.

RESULTS

A total of 166 patients (75 men and 91 women) were included. Sarcopenia was determined in 33 patients (19.9%) according to L3-SMI, in 17 patients (10.2%) according to L4-SMI and in 45 patients (27.1%) according to PMI. 27 patients (16.3%) developed cardiotoxicity. PMI and L3-SMI were significantly associated with an increased risk of cardiotoxicity (L3-SMI: HR=3.27, 95% CI 1.32 to 8.11, p=0.01; PMI: HR=3.71, 95% CI 1.58 to 8.73, p=0.003).

CONCLUSIONS

This is the first study demonstrating a significant association between CT-diagnosed sarcopenia and anthracycline-related cardiotoxicity. Routine CT scans performed for cancer staging may help clinicians identify high-risk patients in whom closer follow-up or cardioprotective measures should be considered.

Long-term changes in psoas muscle mass after lobectomy and segmentectomy for early-stage lung cancer

BACKGROUND

Segmentectomy is considered a less invasive procedure than lobectomy for patients with non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC); however, little is known about the physiological mechanism underlying the lower invasiveness of segmentectomy. This study is aimed to compare the differences in the long-term changes in the psoas muscle mass after segmentectomy and lobectomy in patients with NSCLC.

METHODS

Overall 315 recurrence-free patients who underwent segmentectomy (n = 93) or lobectomy (n = 222) for clinical stage 0-I NSCLC between January 2016 and December 2018 and underwent computed tomography during the entire period of 6 months ≤ postoperative year (POY) 0.5 < 12 months, 12 months ≤ POY 1 < 24 months, 24 months ≤ POY 2 < 36 months, and 36 months ≤ POY 3 < 48 months were included. Bilateral psoas muscle area (PMA) at the L3 level was measured using each cross-sectional computed tomography scan. Differences between the segmentectomy and lobectomy groups in the mean change of postoperative PMA from the preoperative period were analysed using Student's t-test and mixed analysis of variance. Multivariable analysis was performed to identify the risk factors for PMA loss on POY 3 using logistic regression analysis.

RESULTS

The lobectomy group had a significantly larger PMA change than the segmentectomy group during each postoperative period (P < 0.001). Mixed analysis of variance revealed that the mean PMA change was significantly smaller in the segmentectomy group than in the lobectomy group during the observation period (P < 0.001). The mean change in the PMA was significantly larger from POY1 (-2.5%) to POY2 (-3.9%) and POY3 (-4.7%) in the lobectomy group (P = 0.003 and P < 0.001). However, PMA remained unchanged during the postoperative observation period in the segmentectomy group. In the multivariable analysis, the risk factors for PMA change ≤-3.3% (cut-off: mean change of PMA) at POY3 included lobectomy [odds ratio (OR), 3.32; 95% confidence interval (CI), 1.90-5.82; P < 0.001], male sex (OR, 1.92; 95% CI, 1.02-3.62; P = 0.044) and open thoracotomy (OR, 1.84; 95% CI, 1.11-3.05; P = 0.017). After propensity score matching, the mean change in PMA was smaller in the segmentectomy group (n = 75) than in the lobectomy group (n = 75) during the postoperative observation period (P < 0.001).

CONCLUSIONS

Psoas muscle mass was better maintained during the postoperative period by segmentectomy than by lobectomy. Psoas muscle mass reduction progressed over a long postoperative period after lobectomy. Segmentectomy via complete video-assisted thoracic surgery is associated with a lower likelihood of sarcopenia progression.

Potential of whole-body dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry to predict muscle size of psoas major, gluteus maximus and back muscles

BACKGROUND

Measurement of trunk muscle cross-sectional area (CSA) using axial magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) is considered clinically meaningful for understanding several spinal pathologies, such as low back pain and spinal sagittal imbalance. However, it remains unclear whether trunk muscle mass (TMM) measured using dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry (DXA) can predict the trunk muscle CSA. The aim of this study is to determine if DXA-derived TMM is associated and predicts with CSA of paraspinal muscles and gluteus maximus measured using MRI in healthy volunteers.

METHODS

A total of 48 healthy volunteers underwent whole-body DXA and MRI of the spinopelvic region. The CSA of the psoas major, back muscles, and gluteus maximus were measured on axial MRI. Correlations and linear regressions between the TMM measured using DXA and the CSA of each musculature were investigated.

RESULTS

There was a weak correlation between TMM and CSA of the psoas major in men (r = 0.39, P = 0.0678), and the linear regression was y = 301.74x - 401.24 (R2 = 0.2976, P = 0.0070). A moderate correlation was found in women (r = 0.58, P = 0.0021), and the linear regression was y = 230.21x - 695.29 (R2 = 0.4445, P = 0.0003). Moderate correlations were observed between TMM and CSA of the back muscles in both men (r = 0.63, P = 0.0012) and women (r = 0.63, P = 0.0007), the linear regression was y = 468.52x + 3688.5 (R2 = 0.5505, P < 0.0001) in men and y = 477.39x + 2364.1 (R2 = 0.564, P < 0.0001) in women. There was a strong correlation between TMM and CSA of the gluteus maximus in men (r = 0.72, P < 0.0001), and the linear regression was y = 252.69x - 880.5 (R2 = 0.6906, P < 0.0001). A moderate correlation was found in women (r = 0.69, P < 0.0001), and the linear regression was y = 230.74x - 231.32 (R2 = 0.6542, P < 0.0001).

CONCLUSIONS

The DXA-derived TMM was able to predict the CSA of the psoas major, back muscles, and gluteus maximus, and significantly correlated with the CSA of the back muscles and gluteus maximus. It might be a safer and cheaper alternative for evaluating the size of the back muscles and gluteus maximus.

Total Psoas Area is a Measure for Deconditioning in Colorectal Surgery Patients

INTRODUCTION

Physical fitness is an important prognostic indicator for surgical outcomes. An objective measure of deconditioning is needed to determine patient fitness. This study aims to describe a methodology to standardize psoas measurements and correlate them with postoperative outcomes.

METHODS

After obtaining IRB approval, the ACS-NSQIP database was queried for patients over 18 years, undergoing colectomies for non-trauma indications from 1/1/2013 to 12/31/2018. Upon CT imaging, the psoas muscle was identified at the lumbosacral joint. Imaging software calculated the total cross-sectional area of the left and right psoas muscle and was normalized by dividing by height squared to achieve our Total Psoas Index (TPI) in cm2/m2.

RESULTS

1173 patients met study criteria; all had TPI calculated. A TPI equal to or below the gender-specific 25th percentile defined sarcopenia. In total, 151 females (24.6%) and 137 males (24.5%) were classified as sarcopenic. TPI was significantly associated with multiple NSQIP 30-day outcomes and mortality in our study population.

CONCLUSIONS

Measuring TPI at the lumbosacral joint is an appropriate method for determining sarcopenia.

CT-derived measures of muscle quantity and quality predict poorer outcomes from elective colorectal surgery: a UK multicentre retrospective cohort study

PURPOSE

To assess whether preoperative radiologically defined lean muscle measures are associated with adverse clinical outcomes in patients undergoing elective surgery for colorectal cancer.

METHODS

This retrospective UK-based multicentre data collection study identified patients having had colorectal cancer resection with curative intent between January 2013 to December 2016. Preoperative computed-tomography (CT) scans were used to measure psoas muscle characteristics. Clinical records provided postoperative morbidity and mortality data.

RESULTS

This study included 1122 patients. The cohort was separated into a combined group (patients with both sarcopenia and myosteatosis) and others group (either sarcopenia or myosteatosis, or neither). For the combined group, anastomotic leak was predicted on univariate (OR 4.1, 95% CI 1.43-11.79; p = 0.009) and multivariate analysis (OR 4.37, 95% CI 1.41-13.53; p = 0.01). Also for the combined group, mortality (up to 5 years postoperatively) was predicted on univariate (HR 2.41, 95% CI 1.64-3.52; p < 0.001) and multivariate analysis (HR 1.93, 95% CI 1.28-2.89; p = 0.002). A strong correlation exists between freehand-drawn region of interest-derived psoas density measurement and using the ellipse tool (R2 = 81%; p < 0.001).

CONCLUSION

Measures of lean muscle quality and quantity, which predict important clinical outcomes, can be quickly and easily taken from routine preoperative imaging in patients being considered for colorectal cancer surgery. As poor muscle mass and quality are again shown to predict poorer clinical outcomes, these should be proactively targeted within prehabilitation, perioperative and rehabilitation phases to minimise negative impact of these pathological states.

Adolescent idiopathic scoliosis is associated with muscle area asymmetries in the lumbar spine

PURPOSE

While the etiopathogenesis of adolescent idiopathic scoliosis (AIS) remains unclear, it is assumed that muscular asymmetries contribute to curve progression. As previous studies have found asymmetries of the thoracic paraspinal muscles in AIS patients, our study's aim was to analyze differences in the erector spinae, multifidus, quadratus lumborum, and psoas muscles of the lumbar spine depending on the curve's radiographic characteristics.

METHODS

We retrospectively included all patients who received posterior reposition spondylodesis for AIS treatment at our institution. Patients were classified according to the Lenke classification. Muscle cross-sectional areas were obtained from magnetic resonance imaging of the lumbar spine. Data were analyzed with the Wilcoxon rank sum test, the Kruskal-Wallis test with post hoc testing, or the Spearman's correlation coefficient.

RESULTS

Seventy-four (14 males and 60 females) AIS patients with a median age of 16 (IQR ± 4) years and a mean Cobb angle of 56.0° (± 18.0°) were included. In curve types Lenke 1 and 2 (n = 45), the erector spinae (p < 0.001) and multifidus (p < 0.001) muscles had a significantly larger cross-sectional area on the convex side, whereas the quadratus lumborum (p = 0.034) and psoas (p < 0.001) muscles each had a significantly larger cross-sectional area on the lumbar contralateral side.

CONCLUSION

Our results show an asymmetry of the lumbar spine's muscles which depends on both the convexity and the extent of the scoliotic curve. While our results cannot prove whether these differences are the deformity's cause or effect, they may contribute to a better understanding of AIS pathogenesis and may allow for more specific preoperative physiotherapy.

Fat infiltration of the posterior paraspinal muscles is inversely associated with the fat infiltration of the psoas muscle: a potential compensatory mechanism in the lumbar spine

BACKGROUND

The function of the paraspinal muscles and especially the psoas muscle in maintaining an upright posture is not fully understood. While usually considered solely as a hip flexor, the psoas muscle and its complex anatomy suggest that the muscle has other functions involved in stabilizing the lumbar spine. The aim of this study is to determine how the psoas muscle and the posterior paraspinal muscles (PPM; erector spinae and multifidus) interact with each other.

METHODS

A retrospective review including patients undergoing posterior lumbar fusion surgery between 2014 and 2021 at a tertiary care center was conducted. Patients with a preoperative lumbar magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) scan performed within 12 months prior to surgery were considered eligible. Exclusion criteria included previous spinal surgery at any level, lumbar scoliosis with a Cobb Angle > 20° and patients with incompatible MRIs. MRI-based quantitative assessments of the cross-sectional area (CSA), the functional cross-sectional area (fCSA) and the fat area (FAT) at L4 was conducted. The degree of fat infiltration (FI) was further calculated. FI thresholds for FIPPM were defined according to literature and patients were divided into two groups (< or ≥ 50% FIPPM).

RESULTS

One hundred ninetypatients (57.9% female) with a median age of 64.7 years and median BMI of 28.3 kg/m2 met the inclusion criteria and were analyzed. Patients with a FIPPM ≥ 50% had a significantly lower FI in the psoas muscle in both sexes. Furthermore, a significant inverse correlation was evident between FIPPM and FIPsoas for both sexes. A significant positive correlation between FATPPM and fCSAPsoas was also found for both sexes. No significant differences were found for both sexes in both FIPPM groups.

CONCLUSION

As the FIPPM increases, the FIPsoas decreases. Increased FI is a surrogate marker for a decrease in muscular strength. Since the psoas and the PPM both segmentally stabilize the lumbar spine, these results may be indicative of a potential compensatory mechanism. Due to the weakened PPM, the psoas may compensate for a loss in strength in order to stabilize the spine segmentally.

Comparison of morphometric measurements of lumbar muscles on the convex and concave sides of curvature in idiopathic scoliosis

It has always been wondered how the muscle volumes of the lumbar region are affected on the convex and concave sides of the curvature in idiopathic scoliosis (IS) and their possible differences compared to healthy individuals. Muscular changes in individuals with IS have generally been tried to be determined by measurements such as muscle cross-sectional area. However, since the changes in the locomotor system in scoliosis affect the anatomical structures of the muscles such as origin and insertion, the reliability of muscle cross-sectional area measurement decreases. Our aim in this study was to compare the psoas major (PM) and quadratus lumborum (QL) muscle volumes, which undergo the most changes on the concave and convex side of the curvature in scoliosis, within themselves and with healthy individuals. 34 women with scoliosis and 29 healthy women were included in this descriptive retrospective study. PM and QL muscle volumes were measured bilaterally on computed tomography (CT) images of individuals in both groups and recorded as mm3. Statistical analysis was performed with IBM SPSS 23.0, P < .05 was considered significant. In the IS group, both PM and QL muscle volumes were greater on the convex side of the curve (P < .001). When the IS group was compared with the control group, both muscle volumes were significantly lower in the IS group bilaterally than in the control group (P < .001). It was observed that individuals with IS developed atrophy in the lumbar muscles of both sides of the curve, mostly on the concave side of the curve, compared to healthy individuals. We think that these results will be important in planning appropriate physical therapy for individuals with IS.

Increase of radiologically determined muscle area in patients with liver cirrhosis after transjugular intrahepatic portosystemic shunt

Sarcopenia is common in patients with liver cirrhosis and related to higher mortality. Implantation of a transjugular intrahepatic portosystemic shunt (TIPS) is a feasible method for reducing cirrhosis-related portal hypertension, but also possible improvement of the patient`s muscle status. We aimed to analyze changes in muscle quantity and prevalence of sarcopenia after TIPS. We retrospectively surveyed the muscle status in 52 patients (mean age 54.2 years) before and after TIPS by evaluating skeletal (SMI) and psoas muscle indices (PMI) in CT and MR images. Model for End-Stage Liver Disease (MELD), Freiburg index of post-TIPS survival (FIPS), and their underlying laboratory parameters (e.g., Albumin) were analyzed. Prevalence of sarcopenia was 84.6%. After a median follow-up of 16.5 months after TIPS, SMI (0.020) and PMI (p < 0.001) increased, and sarcopenia decreased by 14.8% (0.109). MELD and PMI after TIPS were negatively correlated (r = - 0.536, p < 0.001). Albumin levels increased in patients with increased SMI after TIPS (p = 0.022). Confirming the positive impact of TIPS implantation on muscle indices in patients with liver cirrhosis, we found indications for improved survival and possible indications for altered metabolism with increased albumin levels in patients with increased muscle quantity.

Transversal psoas muscle thickness measurement is associated with response and survival in patients with HCC undergoing immunotherapy

BACKGROUND

Sarcopenia is a common problem in patients with HCC. We aimed to evaluate the prognostic and predictive value of baseline transversal psoas muscle thickness (TPMT) measurement in patients with HCC undergoing immunotherapy.

METHODS

HCC patients treated with programmed death ligand 1-based therapies between June 2016 and October 2022 at the Vienna General Hospital (n = 80) and the Hôpital Beaujon Clichy (n = 96) were included and followed until April 2023. TPMT at the level of the third lumbar vertebra was measured independently by 2 radiologists to evaluate interreader reliability. TPMT <12 mm/m in men and <8 mm/m in women indicated sarcopenia.

RESULTS

Overall, 176 patients (age: 66.3±11.7 y; male: n=143, 81%, Barcelona-Clinic Liver Cancer C: n=121, 69%) were included, of which 131 (74%) exhibited cirrhosis. Interreader agreement for the diagnosis of sarcopenia based on TPMT was 92.6%, and Cohen κ showed a "strong agreement" [κ = 0.84 (95% CI: 0.75-0.92)]. Sarcopenia, present in 58 patients (33%), was associated with shorter median overall survival [7.2 (95% CI: 5.0-9.5) vs. 22.6 (95% CI: 16.4-28.8 months); p < 0.001] and median progression-free survival [3.4 (95% CI: 0.2-6.8) vs. 7.9 (95% CI: 5.8-9.9 months), p = 0.001], and an independent predictor of overall [adjusted HR: 1.63 (95% CI: 1.07-2.48)] and progression-free mortality [adjusted HR: 1.54 (95% CI: 1.06-2.23)] in multivariable analyses. The objective response rate [evaluable in 162 subjects (92.0%)] per modified Response Evaluation Criteria In Solid Tumors (mRECIST) in patients with and without sarcopenia was 22% and 39%, respectively (p = 0.029). Survival and radiological responses were worse in patients with sarcopenia and systemic inflammation [median overall survival: 6.1 (95% CI: 3.6-8.6) mo; median progression-free survival: 2.8 (95% CI: 2.1-3.4) mo; objective response rate=16%; disease control rate=39%].

CONCLUSIONS

Evaluation of sarcopenia using TPMT measurement is reliable and identifies HCC patients with a dismal prognosis and response to immunotherapy.

Effect of psoas and gluteus medius muscles attenuation on hip fracture type

INTRODUCTION

Sarcopenia is defined as a progressive loss of muscle mass and function with increased age. The measurement of muscle mass and attenuation on the axial computed tomography (CT) scan has been reported to be a good indicator for sarcopenia in previous literature. This study aimed to compare muscle mass between the intertrochanteric fracture and femoral neck fracture groups by accurately measuring muscle mass around the hip joint using a CT scan.

METHODS

The cases were matched according to age and gender on a 1-to-1 basis. As a result, a total of 400 patients, 200 patients in each group with the same age and gender characteristics, were included in the study. At the disc of L4-L5 level, the cross-sectional area (CSA) of the psoas muscle was evaluated, and at the disc of L5-S1 level, the CSA of the psoas, iliacus and gluteus medius muscles were evaluated. In addition, attenuation was evaluated using the average Hounsfield Unit (HU) for the specific area.

RESULTS

The mean age of 400 patients (262 females, 138 male) included in the study was 78.49 ± 7.67 years. It was observed that the mean HU values of the patients in the femoral neck fracture group were significantly higher than the intertrochanteric fracture group (p < 0.001, p = 0.008; respectively). At the same time, the mean HU values of the gluteus medius muscle were higher in the femoral neck fracture group (p < 0.001), but in contrast with the psoas muscle, the CSA values of gluteus medius muscle were significantly higher in the intertrochanteric fracture group (p = 0.017).

CONCLUSIONS

Fatty degeneration of the psoas muscle among the muscles around the hip may affect the type of hip fracture. Elderly patients with strong psoas muscles may experience femoral neck fracture due to contraction and torsion during falling.

Changes of the posterior paraspinal and psoas muscle in patients with low back pain: a 3-year longitudinal study

PURPOSE

This study aimed to investigate the changes of the posterior paraspinal muscles (PPM) and psoas muscle in patients with low back pain (LBP) over time.

METHODS

Patients with LBP who had a repeat lumbar MRI with a minimum of 3-years apart at a tertiary referral center were analyzed. MRI-based quantitative assessments of the PPM and the psoas muscle were conducted for the baseline and follow-up MRI. The cross sectional area (CSA), the functional cross sectional area (fCSA) and the fat area (FAT) were calculated using a dedicated software program. The fatty infiltration (FI,%) of the regions of interest was calculated. Differences between the 1st and 2nd MRI were calculated for all assessed muscular parameters.

RESULTS

A total of 353 patients (54.4%female) with a median age of 60.1 years and BMI of 25.8 kg/m2 at baseline were analyzed. The mean time between the 1st and 2nd MRI was 3.6 years. The fCSAPPM declined in both sexes significantly from the 1st to the 2nd MRI, whereas the FATPPM increased. In line with this result, the FIPPM increased in both males (29.9%) and females (19.4%). Females had a higher FIPPM and FIPsoas than males in both MRIs. In females, no significant changes were found for the psoas muscle. The CSAPsoas and fCSAPsoas in males were significantly smaller in the 2nd MRI. With increasing age, a significant trend in a decrease in ∆FIPPM was observed for both sexes.

CONCLUSION

The study revealed significant quantitatively muscular changes in males and females, especially in the posterior paraspinal muscles in only three years' time.

Prognostic significance of psoas muscle index in male hepatocellular carcinoma patients treated with immune checkpoint inhibitors and tyrosine kinase inhibitors

Currently, the relationship between nutritional indices and the prognosis of hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) patients treated with immune checkpoint inhibitors (ICIs) and tyrosine kinase inhibitors (TKIs) remains unclear. This study aims to investigate the prognostic value of psoas muscle index (PMI), prognostic nutritional index (PNI), body mass index (BMI), and geriatric nutritional risk index (GNRI) in HCC patients treated with ICIs combined with TKIs. A total of 124 male patients with HCC were included in this study. PNI, PMI, BMI, and GNRI were calculated at the beginning of treatment. The Cox proportional hazards model was used to analyze the effect of various variables. In the univariate analysis, PMI, PNI, GNRI, and ALB were found to impact the outcomes of the patients at different follow-up times. However, the predictive value of these nutritional indices was eliminated when established risk factors were considered. In the multivariate analysis that only included nutrition-related indicators, PMI emerged as an independent prognostic factor for 1-year treatment outcomes. The group with low PMI (≤5.5409 cm2/m2) was found to have a higher risk of death at one year and at the end of the follow-up period.

Application of creatinine height index in patients with trauma for the evaluation of psoas muscle mass: A clinical validation study

BACKGROUND

The creatinine height index (CHI) is an estimate of lean body mass. We hypothesize that a modified CHI estimate using serum creatinine (sCr) levels in patients with normal renal function when performed soon after injury would reflect preinjury protein nutrition status.

METHODS

The urine CHI (uCHI) was calculated using the 24-h urine sample. The serum-derived estimated CHI (sCHI) was calculated using the sCr on admission. Correlation between abdominal computed tomography images at specific lumbar vertebral levels and total body fat and muscle content was used for comparison as an independent measurement of nutrition status unlikely to be substantially altered by trauma.

RESULTS

A total of 45 patients were enrolled, all with a significant injury burden (median injury severity score [ISS] = 25; interquartile range, 17-35). The calculated sCHI on admission was 71.0% (SD = 26.9%) and likely underestimates the CHI when compared with uCHI (mean = 112.5%, SD = 32.6%). Stratifying by degree of stress demonstrated that in a group of 23 moderately and severely stressed patients, uCHI (mean = 112.7%, SD = 5.7%) and sCHI (mean = 60.8%, SD = 1.9%) were significantly different and without correlation (r = -0.26, P = 0.91). In patients without stress, there was a significant negative correlation between sCHI and psoas muscle area (r = -0.869, P = 0.03), and in patients with severe stress there was a significant positive correlation between uCHI and psoas muscle area (r = 0.733, P = 0.016).

CONCLUSION

The CHI calculated from the initial sCr is not an appropriate estimate of uCHI in critically ill trauma patients and is not a valid measure of psoas muscle mass in this setting.

Ultrasound-Guided Iliopsoas Bursal Injections for Management of Iliopsoas Bursitis After Total Hip Arthroplasty

BACKGROUND

Iliopsoas tendonitis can cause persistent pain after total hip arthroplasty (THA). Nonoperative management of iliopsoas tendonitis includes anti-inflammatory drugs and image-guided corticosteroid injections. This study evaluated the efficacy of ultrasound-guided corticosteroid injections (US-CSIs) for iliopsoas tendonitis following THA.

METHODS

We retrospectively reviewed 42 patients who received an US-CSI for iliopsoas tendonitis after primary THA between 2009 and 2020 at a single institution. Outcomes including reoperation, groin pain at last follow-up, additional intrabursal injection, and Harris Hip Score (HHS) were evaluated at a minimum of 1 year. Cross-table lateral radiographs (36 patients) or computed tomography scans (6 patients) were reviewed to determine if anterior cup overhang was present, indicating a mechanical etiology of iliopsoas tendonitis. Descriptive statistics and univariate comparison of HHS preinjection and postinjection were performed, with alpha < 0.05.

RESULTS

Among the 22 patients who did not have cup overhang, four (18.2%) had persistent groin pain at mean follow-up of 40 months (range, 14-94) after US-CSI. Three patients had a second injection; none had groin pain at most recent follow-up. No patients required acetabular revision. Mean HHS improved from 74 points (range, 52-94 points) to 91 points (range, 76-100 points; P < .001) at last follow-up. Among the 20 patients who had anterior cup overhang, five underwent acetabular revision after only temporary pain relief from injection. Groin pain was resolved in all revised patients at mean follow-up of 43 months (range, 12-60) after revision. Of the remaining 15 patients, five had persistent groin pain at mean follow-up of 35 months (range, 12-83). Mean HHS improved from 69 points (range, 50-96 points) preinjection to 81 (range, 56-98 points; P = .007) at last follow-up.

CONCLUSION

Resolution of groin pain was demonstrated in 78.6% of patients in the cohort; however, those who did not have acetabular overhang had higher rates of success. The overall revision rate was 11.9%. US-CSI appears to be safe and effective in the diagnosis and treatment of iliopsoas tendonitis following primary THA.

LEVEL OF EVIDENCE

Level IV, Therapeutic Study.

Preoperative cross-sectional area of psoas muscle correlates with short-term functional outcomes after posterior lumbar surgery

PURPOSE

To determine the optimal level for the measurement of psoas cross-sectional area and examine the correlation with short-term functional outcomes of posterior lumbar surgery.

METHODS

Patients who underwent minimally invasive posterior lumbar surgery were included in this study. The cross-sectional area of psoas muscle was measured at each intervertebral level on T2-weighted axial images of preoperative MRI. Normalized total psoas area (NTPA) (mm2/m2) was calculated as total psoas area normalized to patient height. Intraclass Correlation Coefficient (ICC) was calculated for the analysis of inter-rater reliability. Patient reported outcome measures including Oswestry disability index (ODI), visual analog scale (VAS), short form health survey (SF-12) and patient-reported outcomes measurement information system were collected. A multivariate analysis was performed to elucidate independent predictors associated with failure to reach minimal clinically important difference (MCID) in each functional outcome at 6 months.

RESULTS

The total of 212 patients were included in this study. ICC was highest at L3/4 [0.992 (95% CI: 0.987-0.994)] compared to the other levels [L1/2 0.983 (0.973-0.989), L2/3 0.991 (0.986-0.994), L4/5 0.928 (0.893-0.952)]. Postoperative PROMs were significantly worse in patients with low NTPA. Low NTPA was an independent predictor of failure to reach MCID in ODI (OR = 2.68; 95% CI: 1.26-5.67; p = 0.010) and VAS leg (OR = 2.43; 95% CI: 1.13-5.20; p = 0.022).

CONCLUSION

Decreased psoas cross-sectional area on preoperative MRI correlated with functional outcomes after posterior lumbar surgery. NTPA was highly reliable, especially at L3/4.

Sarcopenia defined by the psoas muscle mass or quality is associated with poor survival in patients with aortic aneurysm undergoing surgery: A meta-analysis

BACKGROUND

The impact of sarcopenia estimated by the skeletal muscle mass or quality on survival remains controversial in patients with aortic aneurysm. This meta-analysis aimed to assess the association between sarcopenia defined by the psoas muscle mass or quality and all-cause mortality in patients with aortic aneurysm.

METHODS

We comprehensively searched PubMed, Web of Science, and Embase databases until December 31, 2022. Studies investigating the association of CT-derived psoas muscle mass (psoas muscle area [PSA] and psoas muscle index [PMI]) or quality (lean PSA [LPSA]) with all-cause mortality in patients with aortic aneurysm undergoing surgery were included.

RESULTS

Eighteen studies reporting on 19 articles, enrolling 4767 patients were identified. A comparison of the bottom with the top psoas muscle mass, the pooled adjusted hazard ratios (HR) of all-cause mortality was 2.34 (95% confidence intervals [CI] 1.58-3.47). Low psoas muscle mass was associated with an increased risk of all-cause mortality when defined by the PSA (HR 2.01; 95% CI 1.42-2.75) or PMI (HR 2.37; 95% CI 1.24-4.55). Per 1 cm2 PMA increase conferred a 10% reduction in all-cause mortality. Patients with bottom LPMA had an increased risk of all-cause mortality (HR 3.27; 95% CI 1.90-5.60). Each 100 cm2 × HU LPMA increase conferred a 15% reduction in all-cause mortality.

CONCLUSIONS

Sarcopenia defined by the low psoas muscle mass or quality independently predicts all-cause mortality in patients with aortic aneurysm. However, the overall certainty of evidence for the categorical analysis of psoas muscle mass was downgraded by the presence of publication bias and significant heterogeneity.

Is preoperative sarcopenia associated with postoperative complications after pelvic exenteration surgery?

PURPOSE

Pelvic exenteration (PE) involves radical surgical resection of pelvic organs and is associated with considerable morbidity. Sarcopenia is recognised as a predictor of poor surgical outcomes. This study aimed to determine if preoperative sarcopenia is associated with postoperative complications after PE surgery.

METHODS

This retrospective study included patients who underwent PE with an available preoperative CT scan between May 2008 and November 2022 at the Royal Adelaide Hospital and St. Andrews Hospital in South Australia. Total Psoas Area Index (TPAI) was estimated by measuring the cross-sectional area of the psoas muscles at the level of the third lumbar vertebra on abdominal CT, normalised for patient height. Sarcopenia was diagnosed based on gender-specific TPAI cut-off values. Logistic regression analyses were performed to identify risk factors for major postoperative complications with a Clavien-Dindo (CD) grade ≥ 3.

RESULTS

In total, 128 patients who underwent PE were included, 90 of whom formed the non-sarcopenic group (NSG) and 38 the sarcopenic group (SG). Major postoperative complications (CD grade ≥ 3) occurred in 26 (20.3%) patients. There was no detectable association with sarcopenia and an increased risk of major postoperative complications. Preoperative hypoalbuminemia (P = 0.01) and a prolonged operative time (P = 0.002) were significantly associated with a major postoperative complication on multivariate analysis.

CONCLUSION

Sarcopenia is not a predictor of major postoperative complications in patients undergoing PE surgery. Further efforts aimed specifically at optimising preoperative nutrition may be warranted.

Combination of psoas muscle mass index and neutrophil-to-lymphocyte ratio as a noninvasive prognostic marker in hepatocellular carcinoma patients undergoing radiofrequency ablation

AIM

The psoas muscle index (PMI) and neutrophil-to-lymphocyte ratio (NLR) have been reported as useful noninvasive prognostic markers in patients with hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). The usefulness of the combination of the PMI and NLR as a prognostic marker in HCC patients undergoing radiofrequency ablation (RFA) is unclear.

METHODS

We retrospectively analyzed the PMI and NLR in 112 patients undergoing RFA, including 40 patients aged 75 years and older (36%). The influence of the PMI and NLR on disease-free survival and overall survival (OS) was analyzed.

RESULTS

There were 66 patients with high PMI and low NLR values (58%), 36 patients with a low PMI or high NLR value (32%), and 10 patients with low PMI and high NLR values (9%). The combination of the PMI and NLR did not show a significant association with the disease-free survival rate. For patients aged ≥75 years, those with both low PMI and high NLR values showed significantly shorter OS periods (log-rank: P < 0.001). In the multivariate analysis, the combination of a low PMI value and high NLR value was significantly associated with shorter survival periods (hazard ratio: 19.72; 95% confidence interval, 4.933-78.8; P < 0.001).

CONCLUSION

In this study, the combination of PMI and NLR was associated with prognosis in patients with early HCC and preserved liver function. The combination of the PMI and NLR may be a useful and noninvasive prognostic marker in HCC patients aged 75 years and older, as well as in younger patients.

Computed tomography-based preoperative muscle measurements as prognostic factors for anastomotic leakage following oncological sigmoid and rectal resections

BACKGROUND

Oncological sigmoid and rectal resections are accompanied with substantial risk of anastomotic leakage. Preoperative risk assessment and patient selection remain difficult, highlighting the importance of finding easy-to-use parameters. This study evaluates the prognostic value of contrast-enhanced (CE) computed tomography (CT)-based muscle measurements for predicting anastomotic leakage.

METHODS

Patients that underwent oncological sigmoid and rectal resections in the LUMC between 2016 and 2020 were included. Preoperative CE-CT scans, were analyzed using Vitrea software to measure total abdominal muscle area (TAMA) and total psoas area (TPA). Muscle areas were standardized using patient's height into: psoas muscle index (PMI) and skeletal muscle index (SMI) (cm2 /m2 ).

RESULTS

In total 46 patients were included, of which 13 (8.9%) suffered from anastomotic leakage. Patients with anastomotic leakage had a significantly lower PMI (22.1 vs. 25.1, p < 0.01) and SMI (41.8 vs. 46.6, p < 0.01). After adjusting for confounders (age and comorbidity), lower PMI (odds ratio [OR]: 0.85, 95% confidence interval [CI] 0.71-0.99, p = 0.03) and SMI (OR: 0.93, 95%CI 0.86-0.99, p = 0.02) were both associated with anastomotic leakage.

CONCLUSION

This study showed that lower PMI and SMI were associated with anastomotic leakage. These results indicate that preoperative CT-based muscle measurements can be used as prognostic factor for risk stratification for anastomotic leakage.

The more you have, the more you lose: Muscle mass changes in trauma patients with prolonged hospitalizations

INTRODUCTION

Sarcopenia is a clinically relevant loss of muscle mass with implications of increased morbidity and mortality in adult trauma populations.  Our study aimed to evaluate loss of muscle mass change in adult trauma patients with prolonged hospital stays.

METHODS

Retrospective analysis using institutional trauma registry to identify all adult trauma patients with hospital length of stay >14 days admitted to our Level 1 center between 2010 and 2017. All CT images were reviewed, and cross-sectional area (cm²) of the left psoas muscle was measured at the level of the third lumbar vertebral body to determine total psoas area (TPA) and Total Psoas Index (TPI) normalized for patient stature.  Sarcopenia was defined as a TPI on admission below gender specific thresholds of 5.45(cm²/m²) in men and 3.85(cm²/m²) in women.  TPA, TPI, and rates of change in TPI were then evaluated and compared between sarcopenic and non-sarcopenic adult trauma patients.

RESULTS

There were 81 adult trauma patients who met inclusion criteria. The average change in TPA was -3.8 cm² and TPI was -1.3 cm². On admission, 23% (n = 19) of patients were sarcopenic while 77% (n = 62) were not. Non-sarcopenic patients had a significantly greater change in TPA (-4.9 vs. -0.31, p<0.0001), TPI (-1.7 vs. -0.13, p<0.0001), and rate of decrease in muscle mass (p = 0.0002). 37% of patients who were admitted with normal muscle mass developed sarcopenia during admission.  Older age was the only risk factor independently associated with developing sarcopenia (OR: 1.04, 95%CI 1.00-1.08, p = 0.045).

CONCLUSION

Over a third of patients with normal muscle mass at admission subsequently developed sarcopenia with older age as the primary risk factor. Patients with normal muscle mass at admission had greater decreases in TPA and TPI, and accelerated rates of muscle mass loss compared to sarcopenic patients.

Preoperative Psoas Muscle Thickness to Height Ratio Predicts Poor Survival After Resection of Biliary Tract Cancer

BACKGROUND/AIM

Accumulating evidence suggests that muscle mass depletion (sarcopenia) has a negative impact on survival in several malignancies, including biliary tract cancer (BTC). Computed tomography (CT)-measured psoas muscle thickness to height ratio (PMTH) has been reported as a surrogate measure for muscle mass that does not require specialized equipment or software. The aim of this retrospective study was to investigate whether preoperative PMTH predicts oncological outcomes of patients undergoing surgical resection for BTC.

PATIENTS AND METHODS

PMTH was assessed in 211 patients by analyzing axial CT images at the level of the umbilicus. The most predictive cutoff of PMTH was determined by survival classification and regression tree analysis. Propensity score-based inverse probability weighting (IPW) was used to balance characteristics between the low and high PMTH groups.

RESULTS

Applying a PMTH cutoff of 17.5 mm/m, the low PMTH group comprised 114 patients (54%). Low PMTH was associated with female sex, non-obesity, CA19-9 elevation, and lymph node metastasis. After IPW adjustment, the low PMTH group had a significantly shorter disease-specific survival (p<0.001) and relapse-free survival (p<0.001) than the high PMTH group. IPW-adjusted regression analysis revealed that a low PMTH was independently associated with worse disease-specific survival (hazard ratio=2.98, p<0.001) and relapse-free survival (hazard ratio=2.49, p<0.001), in addition to other factors such as tumor differentiation, perineural invasion, and resection margin status.

CONCLUSION

Preoperative PMTH may be a simple and feasible index of sarcopenia for predicting poor survival after resection of BTC.

Computed tomography measured epicardial adipose tissue and psoas muscle attenuation: new biomarkers to predict major adverse cardiac events and mortality in patients with heart disease and critically ill patients. Part II: Psoas muscle area and density

Sarcopenia is a syndrome characterised by loss of skeletal muscle mass, loss of muscle quality, and reduced muscle strength, resulting in low performance. Sarcopenia has been associated with increased mortality and complications after medical interventions. In daily clinical practice, sarcopenia is assessed by clinical assessment of muscle strength and performance tests and muscle mass quantification by dual-energy X-ray absorptio-metry (DXA) or bioelectrical impedance analysis (BIA). Assessment of the skeletal muscle quantity and quality obtained by abdominal computed tomography (CT) has gained interest in the medical community, as abdominal CT is performed for various medical reasons, and quantification of the psoas and skeletal muscle can be performed without additional radiation load and dye administration. The definitions of CT-derived skeletal muscle mass quantification are briefly reviewed: psoas muscle area (PMA), skeletal muscle area (SMA), and transverse psoas muscle thickness (TPMT). We explain how CT attenuation coefficient filters are used to determine PMA and SMA, resulting in the psoas muscle index (PMI) and skeletal muscle index (SMI), respectively, after indexation to body habitus. Psoas muscle density (PMD), a biomarker for skeletal muscle quality, can be assessed by measuring the psoas muscle CT attenuation coefficient, expressed in Hounsfield units. The concept of low-density muscle (LDM) is explained. Finally, we review the medical literature on PMI and PMD as predictors of adverse outcomes in patients undergoing trauma or elective major surgery, transplantation, and in patients with cardiovascular and internal disease. PMI and PMD are promising new biomarkers predicting adverse outcomes after medical interventions.

[Correlation between psoas muscle area and contralateral hip fracture after intertrochanteric fracture]

OBJECTIVE

To investigate the relationship between the area of psoas major muscle(PMI) and recurrent contralateral hip fracture in the initial intertrochanteric fracture.

METHODS

Total of 87 patients with intertrochanteric fracture of femur from January 2008 to January 2011 were selected for CT scanning of lumbar spine and hip at the time of the first fracture, and then divided into two groups according to whether there was fracture in the contralateral hip, 13 patients in the contralateral hip fracture group, 5 males and 8 females, aged(82.30±5.66) years;there were 74 cases in the non contralateral hip fracture group, including 32 males and 42 females, with an age of (79.70±5.84) years. The gender, age, preoperative blood albumin value, operation side, body mass index(BMI), Harris score of hip joint one year after operation, Barthel index before operation and medical diseases before operation were observed and compared between two groups. The PMI was used to compare the area of psosa major on CT before operation in two groups, and the correlation between the area of PMI at the time of initial fracture and the fracture of the contralateral hip was evaluated.

RESULTS

The two groups were followed up for more than 2 years after operation. There was a significant difference in PMI between two groups(P<0.05). There was a significant positive correlation between preoperative PMI and the time of re fracture of the contralateral hip(r=0.641, P=0.018).

CONCLUSION

There are differences in the area of PMI in patients with contralateral hip fracture, so the area of PMI can be regarded as an important risk factor for contralateral hip fracture.

Psoas muscle index predicts time to rehospitalization in liver cirrhosis: An observational study

Sarcopenia is frequent in liver cirrhosis (LC) where it is associated with morbidity and mortality. However, prognostic scores such as model for end-stage liver disease (MELD), MELD-sodium (MELD-Na), or Child-Turcotte-Pugh (CTP) do not contain sarcopenia as a variable. For this study, we utilized psoas muscle index (PMI) to objectively determine sarcopenia in hospitalized LC patients, and evaluated it as a predictor of time between discharge and readmission in LC. Abdominal computed tomography and magnetic resonance imaging scans of 65 consecutive LC patients were retrospectively examined to determine PMI. MELD, MELD-Na, and CTP were calculated from clinical data. PMI was then combined with CTP to form an experimental score: CTP sarcopenia (CTPS). For PMI alone and for each score, correlation with time between discharge and readmission for liver-related complications was calculated. PMI was also tested for correlation with sex, body mass index (BMI), MELD, MELD-Na, and CTP. CTPS was most closely correlated with time to readmission (R = 0.730; P < .001), followed by CTP (R = 0.696; P < .001), MELD-Na (R = 0.405; P = .009), and PMI alone (R = 0.388; P = .01). Correlation with MELD (R = 0.354; P = .05) was lowest. Additionally, there were significant differences in PMI between male and female individuals (5.16 vs 4.54 cm2/m2; P = .04) and in BMI between sarcopenic and nonsarcopenic individuals (29.63 vs 25.88 kg/m2; P = .009). Sarcopenia is an independent short-term prognostic factor in LC. By combining data on sarcopenia with CTP, we created an experimental score that predicts time to readmission better than MELD, MELD-Na, or CTP.

Pretransplant Psoas Muscle Cross-Sectional Area and Postkidney Transplant Outcomes

BACKGROUND

Sarcopenia is associated with adverse outcomes in end-stage kidney disease. We evaluated if pretransplant sarcopenia affects posttransplant outcomes in kidney transplant (KT) recipients.

METHODS

In this single-center retrospective study of adult patients with end-stage kidney disease, we analyzed the association between pre-KT psoas muscle cross-sectional area and critical posttransplant outcomes of decline in estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR), graft loss, rehospitalization, and mortality using Cox proportional hazard model adjusted for age, sex, and race.

RESULTS

Pre-KT abdomen and pelvic computed tomography scans performed during evaluation for KT eligibility were available for 573 KT recipients. Of these, 465 KT recipients received kidney alone transplant, 71 received simultaneous liver kidney transplant (SLK), and 37 received simultaneous pancreas kidney transplant (SPK). Patients were 49 (SD, 13) years old, 16% Black, and 60% men. For kidney alone transplant recipients, a higher psoas muscle cross-sectional area was associated with a shorter length of hospitalization (β coefficient = -0.003; 95% CI, -0.005 to -0.0007). Conversely, pre-KT psoas muscle cross-sectional area did not predict decline in eGFR, graft loss, mortality, or early rehospitalization. For SLK recipients, psoas muscle cross-sectional area did not predict any of the priori outcomes. For SPK recipients, higher pretransplant psoas muscle cross-sectional area predicted a longer length of hospitalization (β coefficient = 0.03; 95% CI, 0.01-0.05). There was no association between psoas muscle cross-sectional area and other outcomes assessed.

CONCLUSIONS

Pretransplant psoas muscle cross-sectional areas are not predictive of post-transplant decline in eGFR, graft loss, rehospitalization or mortality in kidney alone, SPK, or SLK transplants.

Sarcopenia Is Associated With Increased Mortality in Patients With Necrotizing Soft Tissue Infections

INTRODUCTION

Necrotizing soft tissue infections (NSTIs) are surgical emergencies associated with high morbidity and mortality. Identifying risk factors for poor outcome is a critical part of preoperative decision-making and counseling. Sarcopenia, the loss of lean muscle mass, has been associated with an increased risk of mortality and can be measured using cross-sectional imaging. Our aim was to determine the impact of sarcopenia on mortality in patients with NSTI. We hypothesized that sarcopenia would be associated with an increased risk of mortality in patients with NSTI.

METHODS

This is a retrospective cohort study of NSTI patients admitted from 1995 to 2015 to two academic institutions. Operative and pathology reports were reviewed to confirm the diagnosis in all cases. Average bilateral psoas muscle cross-sectional area at L4, normalized for height (Total Psoas Index [TPI]), was calculated using computed tomography (CT). Sarcopenia was defined as TPI in the lowest sex-specific quartile. Primary outcome was in-hospital mortality. Multivariate logistic regression was performed to assess the association between sarcopenia and in-hospital mortality.

RESULTS

There were 115 patients with preoperative imaging, 61% male and a median age of 57 y interquartile range (IQR 46.6-67.0). Overall in-hospital mortality was 12.1%. There was no significant difference in sex, body mass index (BMI), comorbidities and American Society of Anesthesiologists classification (Table 1). After multivariate analysis, sarcopenia was independently associated with increased in-hospital mortality (Odds ratio, 3.5; 95% Confidence Interval [CI], 1.05-11.8).

CONCLUSIONS

Sarcopenia is associated with increased risk of in-hospital mortality in patients with NSTIs. Sarcopenia identifies patients with higher likelihood of poor outcomes, which can possibly help surgeons in counseling their patients and families.

Evaluation of iliopsoas tendon using shear wave elastography after open reduction surgery for developmental dysplasia of hip

Objectives

The aim of this study was to investigate the wholeness, thickness, and elastography measurements of the iliopsoas tendon using shear wave elastography who underwent open reduction surgery for unilateral developmental dysplasia of the hip.

Patients and methods

Between January 2011 and December 2016, a total of 15 patients (2 males, 13 females; mean age: 24.6±26.3 months; range, 3 to 98 months) who underwent surgical treatment for unilateral DDH were retrospectively analyzed. In addition to demographic data, clinical findings such as muscle strength, range of motion, and the presence of limping were recorded. Ultrasound elastography was used to examine the thickness, shear wave velocity and elasticity of the iliopsoas tendons.

Results

The mean follow-up was 92.6±30.2 (range, 44 to 120) months. Full range of motion of the hips was observed in all patients. Hip flexor muscles’ strength was 5/5 in bilateral. No hip dislocation or limping was not detected in any of the patients. Ultrasound examinations revealed that tenotomized iliopsoas tendons were intact in all patients. The mean muscle thickness was lower in operated sides, indicating no statistically significant difference. The mean velocity and elasticity were statistically significantly higher in the operated sides.

Conclusion

This is the first study using shear wave ultrasonography for iliopsoas tenotomy of the patients underwent open reduction for developmental hip dysplasia. Re-adhesion of the iliopsoas tendons provided wholeness while healing as a more rigid and thinner structure compared to the intact sides.

[A spontaneous ilio-psoas hematoma]

BACKGROUND

An ilio-psoas hematoma is a spontaneous or traumatic retroperitoneal hemorrhage in the ilio-psoas muscle. It is an uncommon condition, occurring in patients with bleeding disorders or patients on anticoagulant therapy. It has a high mortality and presents itself with non-specific symptoms like pain in de lower back, hip or upper leg.

CASE DESCRIPTION

We present the case of a 70-year-old women, on anticoagulant therapy, presenting with atraumatic pain in de left hip. On clinical exam she complained of pain with active hip flexion and passive hip extension. On CT angiography an iliac hematoma was visible on the left side with an arterial component. She underwent an urgent pelvic arterial embolization.

CONCLUSION

Timely recognition and treatment of an iliopsoas hematoma can reduce mortality and morbidity. In elderly patients on anticoagulant therapy or with underlying bleeding disorders, this entity should always be considered in unexplained lumbar or hip pain.

Impact of psoas muscle index assessed by a simple measurement method on tolerability and duration of continued treatment with sorafenib in hepatocellular carcinoma patients

BACKGROUND

In this study, we investigated the impact of simple measurement of psoas muscle index (PMI) on the tolerability of sorafenib treatment of switch from sorafenib to regorafenib.

METHOD

This retrospective study enrolled 109 patients with Child-Pugh A hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) treated with sorafenib. Pretreatment PMI was calculated by measuring and multiplying the greatest anterior/posterior and transverse diameters of the psoas muscles on axial computed tomography images at the L3 vertebral level, and normalizing the sum of bilateral psoas muscle areas by the square of the height in meters. We, then, statistically analyzed the association between PMI and adverse events (AEs) to treatment, tolerability of sorafenib, time to treatment failure (TTF), and prognosis in patients stratified according to PMI.

RESULT

Patients were divided into high PMI (n = 41) and low PMI (n = 68) groups based on the cutoff PMI values (men: 7.04 cm2/m2; women: 4.40 cm2/m2) determined by receiver operating characteristic curve analysis to determine sorafenib tolerability. Frequencies of all types of severe AEs were higher in the low PMI group (50.0%) than in the high PMI group (29.3%; P = 0.045). The high PMI group (51.2%) had greater tolerance to sorafenib than the low PMI group (25.0%; P = 0.007). Moreover, in multivariable analysis, PMI was associated with sorafenib tolerability (odds ratio 0.26; P = 0.008) and was a prognostic factor affecting TTF (hazard ratio 1.77; P = 0.021).

CONCLUSION

PMI might be a predictive marker of tolerance to treatment and TTF in HCC patients receiving sorafenib treatment.

Psoas muscle measurement as a predictor of recurrent lumbar disc herniation: A retrospective blind study

AbstractParaspinal (erector spinae and multifidus) and psoas muscles contribute to spinal stability, but no study has yet examined the relationship between muscle mass and recurrent lumbar disc herniation (rLDH). The purpose of this study was to investigate the effect of psoas and paraspinal muscle mass on recurrent Lumbar disc herniation (LDH). This retrospective study included 49 patients with LDH (22 men, 27 women; mean age: 59.9 years; range 32-80) who underwent discectomy and partial laminectomy without fusion and underwent both pre- and postoperative magnetic resonance imaging. The presence of rLDH was determined using medical records and postoperative magnetic resonance imagings. Patients were divided into an rLDH group (26 patients) and a without-rLDH group (23 patients). Clinical characteristics, segmental motion, and paraspinal and psoas muscle mass were compared between the groups. Using ImageJ software, the cross-sectional area (CSA), lean muscle mass (LMM), and skeletal muscle index (SMI) were measured on T2 axial preoperative magnetic resonance images at L2-L3, L3-L4, and L4-L5 disc levels to represent muscle mass. Univariate and multivariate logistic regression analyses were performed. In the rLDH group, patients were younger (52.6 years vs 68.2 years; P = .001), segmental instability was more common (50.0% vs 4.3%; P = .001), and the CSA, LMM, CSASMI, and LMMSMI of psoas muscles were larger (5851.59 mm2 vs 4264.93 mm2, 5456.59 mm2 vs 4044.77 mm2, 18.77 cm2/m2 vs 13.86 cm2/m2, and 17.52 cm2/m2 vs 12.98 cm2/m2; P < .01 for all 4 variables). On multivariate logistic regression, age and segmental instability were independent risk factors for rLDH (odds ratio 0.886 and 18.527; P = .01 and P = .02, respectively). In middle-aged and elderly patients with lumbar disc herniation, relatively younger age, segmental instability, and greater psoas muscle mass may be risk factors for recurrence.

Utility of multidetector computed tomography quantitative measurements in identifying sarcopenia: a propensity score matched study

OBJECTIVE

To evaluate the utility of multidetector computed tomography MDCT quantitative measurements in identifying sarcopenia.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

The clinical data and MDCT images of 64 patients of sarcopenia and 184 non-sarcopenic participants between October 2020 and January 2021were retrospectively analyzed. Propensity score matching was used to match the sarcopenic patients with the non-sarcopenic participants. Two radiologists independently measured the cross-sectional area (CSA) of skeletal muscle and intramuscular fat tissue and CT density of skeletal muscle at the middle L3 vertebral level on CT images of all participants. Intra-observer agreement was evaluated via intraclass correlation coefficients (ICC). A receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve was built for each variable. Correlations between CT parameters and clinical data were assessed via Pearson or Spearman correlation coefficient.

RESULTS

A total of 74 participants (mean age 72 ± 4 years, range 66-85 years; 38 men and 36 women) were included, comprising 37 sarcopenic patients and 37 non-sarcopenic participants. There were no significant intergroup differences regarding age, sex ratio, and body mass index (BMI) (P < 0.05). The CSA and density of skeletal muscle measured by two radiologists were reliable (ICC ≥ 0.75, P < 0.001). Compared with the sarcopenic group, the non-sarcopenic group had a significantly greater CSA and CT density of the total skeletal muscle (TSM) and paraspinal skeletal muscle (PSM) and skeletal muscle index at L3 level (L3 SMI) (P < 0.05). The fat infiltration ratio (FIR) of TSM, PSM, and psoas muscle was significantly higher in the sarcopenic group than that in non-sarcopenic participants (P < 0.05). ROC curve analysis showed the PSM FIR + PSM CT density (PSM D) had the best predictive value for sarcopenia (AUC = 0.836). The PSM FIR and age were moderately positively correlated (r = 0.410, P < 0.001).

CONCLUSION

Fat infiltration of skeletal muscle had better predictive value than L3 SMI in the diagnosis of sarcopenic. The PSM FIR + PSMD had the best predictive value for sarcopenia, which was moderately positively correlated with age.