Recent Issues on Body Composition Imaging for Sarcopenia Evaluation

Author: Koeun LEE ¹ ; Yongbin SHIN ; Jimi HUH ; Yu Sub SUNG ; In Seob LEE ; Kwon Ha YOON ; Kyung Won KIM
Author Information

1. Department of Radiology, Asan Image Metrics, Asan Medical Center, University of Ulsan College of Medicine, Seoul, Korea.
Publication Type:Review
Keywords: Body composition; Computed tomography; Magnetic resonance imaging; Dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry; Sarcopenia
MeSH: Absorptiometry, Photon; Body Composition; Consensus; Magnetic Resonance Imaging; Mortality; Muscle, Skeletal; Quality of Life; Sarcopenia
From:Korean Journal of Radiology 2019;20(2):205-217
CountryRepublic of Korea
Language:English
Abstract: Recently, sarcopenia has garnered renewed interest. Sarcopenia is a disease characterized by decreased skeletal muscle mass and strength/function, which can impair the quality of life and increase physical disability, adverse metabolic effects, and mortality. Imaging tools for evaluating and diagnosing sarcopenia have developed rapidly. Radiologists should be aware of sarcopenia and its clinical implications. We review current knowledge about sarcopenia, its pathophysiological impact, and advantages and disadvantages of methods for evaluation of sarcopenia focusing on body composition imaging modalities such as whole-body dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry, CT, and MRI. Controversial issues are discussed, including the lack of consensus and standardization of the disease definition, imaging modality, measurement methods, and diagnostic cutoff points.