title: Estimating dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry-derived total body skeletal muscle mass using single-slice abdominal magnetic resonance imaging in obese subjects with and without diabetes: a pilot study.
abstract: OBJECTIVE
  Single-slice abdominal computed tomography or magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) performed to measure visceral adipose tissue in individuals with obesity and diabetes mellitus can also image skeletal muscle. The aim of this study was to validate a method developed in cancer patients using a single abdominal cross-sectional image to estimate fat-free mass (FFM) and appendicular lean tissue mass index (LTMI), a total body skeletal muscle mass surrogate, in an obese cohort of subjects with and without type 2 diabetes.
  
  
  METHODS
  In total, 49 obese subjects (22 with diabetes) recruited into a weight loss study underwent dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry (DXA) and abdominal MRI at baseline. DXA-derived FFM and LTMI were compared with skeletal muscle area at the level of the third lumbar vertebra (L3) on MRI.
  
  
  RESULTS
  L3 skeletal muscle area correlated with FFM (R (adj) (2)=0.825; P<0.001) and LTMI (R (adj) (2)=0.6; P<0.001). A simple formula, previously shown to predict LTMI in cancer patients, produced a good estimation of LTMI from L3 skeletal muscle area (95% confidence interval -3.70, 2.56%) in our obese cohort. Equations incorporating age, sex, height, weight and diabetic status improved the relationship between L3 skeletal muscle area and estimated FFM (r=0.976, P<0.001) and LTMI (r=0.879, P<0.001).
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  A single-axial slice at the L3 level can be used to estimate FFM and LTMI in obese diabetic and non-diabetic subjects, allowing precise analysis of body composition using a single imaging modality in clinical research and practice.
authors.affiliation: Endocrine Centre, Austin Health, Heidelberg Repatriation Hospital Campus, Heidelberg West, Victoria, Australia. scott.baker@austin.org.au
authors.forename: S T
authors.initials: ST
authors.lastname: Baker
authors.forename: B J
authors.initials: BJ
authors.lastname: Strauss
authors.forename: L A
authors.initials: LA
authors.lastname: Prendergast
authors.forename: S
authors.initials: S
authors.lastname: Panagiotopoulos
authors.forename: G E
authors.initials: GE
authors.lastname: Thomas
authors.forename: T
authors.initials: T
authors.lastname: Vu
authors.forename: J
authors.initials: J
authors.lastname: Proietto
authors.forename: G
authors.initials: G
authors.lastname: Jerums
mesh_terms: D000005:Abdomen; D015502:Absorptiometry, Photon / Q000379:methods; D001823:Body Composition; D001825:Body Fluid Compartments / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging; D015331:Cohort Studies; D003924:Diabetes Mellitus, Type 2 / Q000150:complications; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D050152:Intra-Abdominal Fat; D008159:Lumbar Vertebrae; D008279:Magnetic Resonance Imaging / Q000379:methods*; D008297:Male; D055641:Mathematical Concepts; D008875:Middle Aged; D018482:Muscle, Skeletal / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging / Q000473:pathology*; D009765:Obesity / Q000150:complications / Q000473:pathology*; D010865:Pilot Projects