Nutritional ultrasound®: Conceptualisation, technical considerations and standardisation
José Manuel García-Almeida1, Cristina García-García2, Isabel María Vegas-Aguilar3
1Department of Endocrinology and Nutrition, Hospital Universitario Virgen de la Victoria, IBIMA, CIBEROBN, Hospital Quirónsalud, University of Málaga, Spain.
Abstract:
Nutritional ultrasound® is a new concept that uses ultrasound to assess body composition. It is composed of the evaluation of fat-free mass and fat mass. It is an emerging, economical, portable, non-invasive technique that evaluates the musculoskeletal area with linear, broadband, multifrequency probes, with a depth field of 20-100mm. It quantifies muscle modifications in malnutrition and provides information on functional changes (echogenicity). Although there are no validated specific cut-off points, the anterior rectum area of the quadriceps can be used as a criterion for malnutrition. The distribution of adipose tissue provides information on the energy reserve and the inflammatory pattern. It is important to integrate nutritional ultrasound® measures in clinical practice adapted to different settings and pathologies. It is necessary to establish training plans in nutritional ultrasound® for use by Endocrinology and Nutrition Specialists, with the aim of improving the diagnosis and treatment of their patients.
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