Variations in skeletal muscle T2, water and proton density fat fraction in patients with chronic kidney disease: a preliminary analysis

Motivation: T2, water and PDFF may serve as early biomarkers for CKD-related 'uremic' myopathy, monitoring muscle inflammation and fat infiltration to aid in prognosis and early intervention. Goal(s): This preliminary cross-sectional study examines associations between muscle MRI markers and clinical markers of kidney function and disease severity. Approach: T2,water was obtained using a bi-exponential fit to multi-echo spin-echo images. PDFF was obtained using Dixon images. Pearson correlations were assessed from eleven subjects. Results: T2, water exhibited a weak negative association with eGFR and a positive association with ECW fraction, suggesting inflammation and muscle volume overload in CKD may be monitored by T2, water. Impact: Validating T2, water and PDFF as biomarkers for CKD-related myopathy could enable earlier detection and targeted intervention, potentially reducing the risk of adverse cardiovascular outcomes and improving patient prognosis.