Prognostic value of the third thoracic vertebra skeletal muscle measurements in patients with digestive system malignancies: a comparative study with the third lumbar vertebra indices.

ABSTRACT: Skeletal muscle mass assessment using computed tomography (CT) is crucial for evaluating nutritional status and prognosis in cancer patients. While the third lumbar vertebra (L3) level is widely accepted for this purpose, not all patients undergo abdominal CT scans. This study aimed to explore the potential of the third thoracic vertebra (T3) level as an alternative measurement site. This retrospective study included 257 patients with digestive system malignancies. Skeletal muscle area (SMA) and skeletal muscle index (SMI) were measured at both T3 and L3 levels using CT scans. Correlation analyses, linear regression models, and cox regression analyses were performed to evaluate the relationship between T3 and L3 measurements and their prognostic value. Strong correlations were observed bet

SUBMITTER: He Y 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC12913669 | biostudies-literature | 2026 Jan

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature