MRI Research Today is a free monthly online journal that collates and summarizes the latest research about MRI, including details on magnetic resonance imaging, neuroimaging, brain tumors. | ||||||||
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The validity of estimating quadriceps volume from single MRI cross-sections in young men.Morse CI, Degens H, Jones DA Institute for Biophysical and Clinical Research into Human Movement (IRM), Manchester Metropolitan University, Alsager Campus, Hassall Road, Alsager, Cheshire, ST7 2HL, UK, c.morse@mmu.ac.uk. Muscle size is often reported as a single anatomical cross-sectional area (ACSA), rather than volume measured with contiguous MRI scans. However, a single ACSA may provide an inadequate estimate of muscle mass. Therefore, we investigated whether quadriceps muscle volume can be adequately estimated from a single ACSA. In 18 adult males we derived regression equations from which estimates of volume were made. These equations were based on the direct assessment of volume using 11 transverse-plane MRI scans along the entire length of the femur (the gold standard). We estimated volume based on single scans at 40, 50 and 60% of femur length (from the distal end). All estimates of quadriceps volumes were highly correlated to the measured volume and demonstrated a low level of error. R (2) = 0.84, 0.93, 0.90 (all P < 0.01), standard error of estimate (SEE) = 26.8 +/- 5.2, 12.5 +/- 5.4 and 9.9 +/- 5.7%, for single scans taken at 40, 50 and 60% of femur length respectively. In comparison, when volume was estimated using multiple MRI scans corresponding to the maximum ACSA of each muscle the estimate was even better [R (2) = 0.95 (P < 0.01) and SEE = 4.5 +/- 2.7%]. Substituting ACSA from a single MRI scan at 60% of femur length into a previously determined regression equation allows for an estimation of muscle volume with a 10% error of estimate. Published 3 May 2007 in Eur J Appl Physiol, 100(3): 267-74.
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