Equations of Kim et al for Predicting Intermuscular Adipose Tissue Free Skeletal Muscle Mass in an Adult from Dual Energy X-Ray Absorptiometry

 

Inter and intramuscular adipose tissue (IMAT) is adipose tissue found between and within muscle groups. The presence of increased IMAT may bias skeletal muscle estimates in groups with differing age, race, gender and health.

 

Subjects: healthy adults

 

Methods: DEXA scans

 

Parameters:

(1) appendicular lean soft tissue in kilograms

(2) age in years

 

IMAT-free total skeletal muscle mass in kilograms =

= (1.19 * (appendicular lean soft tissue kg)) - 1.65

 

IMAT-free total skeletal muscle mass in kilograms =

= (1.18 * (appendicular lean soft tissue kg)) - (0.03 * (age in years)) - 0.14

 

Performance:

• For both equations the R-square is about 0.96 and SEE 1.4 kg.

• The patient's race did not impact the accuracy of the equation.

• The models may overpredict skeletal muscle in some patients with anorexia nervosa.