CT-defined pectoralis muscle mass and muscle density are associated with mortality in acute pulmonary embolism. A multicenter analysis

Abstract

Computed tomography (CT) defined muscle mass can be used as a surrogate parameter for sarcopenia. The present study used thoracic CT to assess pectoralis muscle area and density as an imaging biomarker for prognosis of 30-day mortality in patients with acute pulmonary embolism (PE) METHODS: The clinical database was retrospectively screened for patients with thoracic CT in 3 centers. Pectoralis musculature was measured on axial slices of the thoracic CT at the level of T4 of contrast enhanced pulmonary angiography CT. Skeletal muscle area (SMA), skeletal muscle index (SMI), muscle density and gauge were calculated. Overall, 981 patients (440 female, 44.9%) with a mean age of 63.5±15.9 years were included into the study and 144 patients (14.6%) died within the 30-days period. Every pectoral muscle value was higher in survivors compared to non-survivors (exemplarily for SMI 9.9±3.5cm2/m2 versus 7.8±2.6cm2/m2, p<0.001). Moreover, 91 patients were defined as hemodynamically instable (9.3%). Comparable, every pectoral muscle parameter was higher in patients with hemodynamically stable course compared to instable course. Different muscle variables are related to 30-day mortality: SMA, OR=0.94 (95%CI= (0.92; 0.96), p<0.001); SMI, OR=0.78 (95%CI= (0.72; 0.84), p<0.001); muscle density, OR=0.96 (95%CI= (0.94; 0.97), p<0.001); muscle gauge OR=0.96 (95%CI= (0.94; 0.99), p<0.001). SMI and muscle density were independently associated with 30-days mortality: SMI, OR=0.81 (95%CI= (0.75; 0.88), p<0.001); muscle density: OR=0.96 (95%CI= (0.95; 0.98), p<0.001). Parameters of the pectoralis musculature are associated with 30-day mortality in patients with acute PE. These findings should lead to an independent validation study and ultimately to the inclusion into clinical routine as a prognostic factor.