Calf muscle compartmental T1, T2, T1ρ, and Fat Fraction associations with Muscle Function in Patients with Heart Failure

Motivation: Skeletal muscle degeneration (sarcopenia) is more prevalent in patients with heart failure (HF) than the general population and is associated with worsened outcomes. However, HF-associated muscle degeneration remains incompletely understood. Goal(s): To evaluate quantitative MRI in calf muscle compartments of HF patients and to investigate associations with function and overall condition. Approach: Relaxometric (T1/T2/T1ρ) and proton density fat fraction (PDFF) measures were obtained in calf muscle compartments of patients with HF. Functional and survey measures were obtained. Correlation analyses between all measures were performed. Results: Relaxometry and PDFF correlated with muscle function but differed by muscle compartment, suggesting heterogeneous changes as function declines. Impact: Quantitative MRI, including relaxometry and fat fraction as complementary measures, may detect muscle compartmental changes in heart failure associated sarcopenia. Characterization of degradation in patients’ specific muscle compartments may provide insight to the degenerative process and targets for intervention.