Muscle Assessment by Ultrasonography: Agreement with Dual-Energy X-Ray Absorptiometry (DXA) and Relationship with Physical Performance

Background Different methods have been proposed to study skeletal muscle mass in sarcopenia diagnosis, although all have inherent drawbacks. The aim of this study was to evaluate the utility of muscle ultrasound in muscle assessment by studying its correlation with dual-energy x-ray absorptiometry (DXA) and calf circumference (CC), cut-off values for ultrasound-based detection of low muscle mass, and the correlation with muscle performance. Methods Fifty-seven participants older than 70 years, underwent a muscle ultrasound study, DXA, calf circumference (CC) and functional assessment. Ultrasound measurements were taken in the femoral quadriceps (transverse plane) and in the medial gastrocnemius (transverse and longitudinal planes). Muscle function was assessed by gait speed, Short Physical Performance Battery (SPPB) and grip strength. Results Median age was 78.9 years (IQR 74.9-81.9), and 33 were women (57.9%). We found good correlation between muscle thickness of gastrocnemius muscle in transverse and longitudinal plane and appendicular lean mass measured by DXA (r=0.546 and r=0.689 respectively) and good correlations between muscle thickness of gastrocnemius in transverse and longitudinal plane with CC (r=0.651 and r=0.447 respectively). The thickness of gastrocnemius medialis optimal cut-off points for low muscle mass were 18,5mm in the transverse plane (Sensitivity: 77,8%, Specificity: 77,1%), and 17.3mm in the longitudinal plane (Sensitivity: 100%, Specificity: 68.8%). Muscle thickness was also significantly correlated with gait speed, SPPB and grip strength. Conclusions Measures of gastrocnemius medialis thickness obtained by ultrasound are reliable and correlate well with DXA and CC values and muscle performance.

Automated summary

This study found that the thickness of the gastrocnemius medialis measured by ultrasound is reliable and correlates well with DXA and CC values, as well as muscle performance. In older participants, the thickness of the gastrocnemius medialis is significantly correlated with appendicular lean mass, CC, gait speed, Short Physical Performance Battery, and grip strength.