Using T1 mapping indices to evaluate muscle function and predict conservative treatment outcomes in diabetic patients...

To investigate interstitial muscle fibrosis via T1 mapping indices and its relationships with muscle function and conservative treatment outcomes.

A total of 49 DM patients with PAD were prospectively recruited from 2016 to 2017. All PAD patients underwent pre-treatment MRI with conservative treatment via a rehabilitation program and antiplatelet therapy. The need to require percutaneous transluminal angioplasty intervention was recorded as intolerance to conservative treatment outcomes. We quantified calf interstitial muscle fibrosis using T1 mapping indices (native T1, post-contrast T1, and the extracellular volume fraction [ECV]). Muscle function was evaluated using a 6-min walking test (6MWT) and a 3-min stepping test (3MST). PAD patients were divided into two groups according to their tolerance or intolerance of the conservative treatment. Pearson's correlation, reproducibility, and multivariable Cox hazard analyses were performed with p < 0.05 indicating statistical significance.

Among the T1 mapping indices in the posterior compartment of the calf in PAD patients, the native T1 value was significantly correlated with 6MWT (r =  -0.422, p = 0.010) and 3MST (r =  -0.427, p = 0.009). All T1 mapping indices showed excellent intra-observer and inter-observer correlations. ECV was an independent predictor of conservative treatment intolerance (average ECV, hazard ratio: 1.045, 95% confidence interval: 1.011-1.079, p = 0.009).

T1 mapping measurements are reproducible with excellent intra-observer and inter-observer correlations. T1 mapping indices may be predictive of treatment and functional outcomes and carry promise in patient evaluation.

Clinical Trials Identifier: NCT02850432 .

• T1 mapping measurements of the calf muscles are reproducible with excellent intra-observer and inter-observer correlations (0.98 and 0.95 for anterior and posterior compartment muscle extracellular volume matrix [ECV] measurements, respectively). • ECV is shown to independently predict conservative treatment intolerance. • T1 mapping indices may be predictive of treatment and functional outcomes and carry promise in patient evaluation.