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Speed of sound ultrasound: a pilot study on a novel technique to identify sarcopenia in seniors

  • Musculoskeletal
  • Published:
European Radiology Aims and scope Submit manuscript

An Editorial Comment to this article was published on 12 November 2018

Abstract

Objectives

To measure speed of sound (SoS) with a novel hand-held ultrasound technique as a quantitative indicator for muscle loss and fatty muscular degeneration.

Methods

Both calf muscles of 11 healthy, young females (mean age 29 years), and 10 elderly females (mean age 82 years) were prospectively examined with a standard ultrasound machine. A flat Plexiglas® reflector, on the opposite side of the probe with the calf in between, was used as timing reference for SoS (m/s) and ΔSoS (variation of SoS, m/s). Handgrip strength (kPA), Tegner activity scores, and 5-point comfort score (1 = comfortable to 5 = never again) were also assessed. Ultrasound parameters (muscle/adipose thickness, echo intensity) were measured for comparison.

Results

Both calves were assessed in less than two minutes. All measurements were successful. The elderly females showed significantly lower SoS (1516 m/s, SD17) compared to the young adults (1545 m/s, SD10; p < 0.01). The ΔSoS of elderly females was significantly higher (12.2 m/s, SD3.6) than for young females (6.4 m/s, SD1.5; p < 0.01). Significant correlations of SoS with hand grip strength (r = 0.644) and Tegner activity score (rs = 0.709) were found, of similar magnitude as the correlation of hand grip strength with Tegner activity score (rs = 0.794). The average comfort score of the elderly was 1.1 and for the young adults 1.4. SoS senior/young classification (AUC = 0.936) was superior to conventional US parameters.

Conclusions

There were significant differences of SoS and ΔSoS between young and elderly females. Measurements were fast and well tolerated. The novel technique shows potential for sarcopenia quantification using a standard ultrasound machine.

Key Points

• Speed of sound ultrasound: a novel technique to identify sarcopenia in seniors.

• Measurements were fast and well tolerated using a standard ultrasound machine.

• The novel technique shows potential for sarcopenia quantification.

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Abbreviations

2D:

2-dimensional

3D:

3-dimensional

ACR:

American College of Radiology

AUC:

Area under curve

BMI:

Body mass index

CT:

Computed tomography

MRI:

Magnetic resonance imaging

ROC:

Receiver operating characteristic

SoS:

Speed of sound

US:

Ultrasonography

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Funding

This study has received funding by USZ Foundation and an ETH Zurich & ETH Zurich Foundation Pioneer Fellowship. This project has been generously supported by a donation from Dr. Hans-Peter Wild to the USZ Foundation.

Author information

Authors and Affiliations

  1. Computer Assisted Applications in Medicine, ETH Zurich, Sternwartstrasse 7, 8092, Zurich, Switzerland

    Sergio J. Sanabria & Orcun Goksel

  2. Institute of Diagnostic and Interventional Radiology, University Hospital Zurich, Rämistrasse 100, 8091, Zurich, Switzerland

    Katharina Martini, Lisa Ruby, Thomas Frauenfelder & Marga B. Rominger

  3. Department of Geriatrics and Aging Research, University Hospital Zurich, Rämistrasse 100, 8091, Zurich, Switzerland

    Gregor Freystätter

Authors
  1. Sergio J. Sanabria
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  2. Katharina Martini
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  3. Gregor Freystätter
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  4. Lisa Ruby
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  5. Orcun Goksel
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  6. Thomas Frauenfelder
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  7. Marga B. Rominger
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Corresponding author

Correspondence to Marga B. Rominger.

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Guarantor

The scientific guarantor of this publication is Marga Rominger.

Conflict of interest

The authors of this manuscript declare no relationships with any companies, whose products or services may be related to the subject matter of the article.

Statistics and biometry

No complex statistical methods were necessary for this paper.

Informed consent

Written informed consent was obtained from all subjects (patients) in this study.

Ethical approval

Institutional Review Board approval was obtained.

Methodology

• Prospective

• Case-control study

• Performed at one institution

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Sanabria, S., Martini, K., Freystätter, G. et al. Speed of sound ultrasound: a pilot study on a novel technique to identify sarcopenia in seniors. Eur Radiol 29, 3–12 (2019). https://doi.org/10.1007/s00330-018-5742-2

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  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s00330-018-5742-2

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