Rectus femoris ultrasound identifies sarcopenia and predicts poor outcomes in patients with acute decompensation of cirrhosis.

ABSTRACT:

Background & aims

Sarcopenia is common and associated with poor outcomes in decompensated cirrhosis. While computed tomography (CT) scan, with measurement of skeletal muscle index (SMI) at L3, is the gold standard for assessing sarcopenia in patients with cirrhosis, it is costly, exposes patients to radiation, and requires specialized software. This study evaluated the accuracy of bedside ultrasound measurement of the rectus femoris cross-sectional area (RF-CSA) in assessing sarcopenia and its prognostic value in patients with cirrhosis.

Methods

A prospective two-phase study was conducted. Phase 1 analyzed correlations between RF-CSA and SMI, as well as other sarcopenia predictors, in 77 patients. In phase 2, RF-CSA was measured at the bedside in 203 patients with acute deco

SUBMITTER: Gagliardi R 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC12546777 | biostudies-literature | 2025 Nov

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature