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Relationship between low relative muscle mass and aortic regional morphological changes in adults underwent contrast
Zhijie Jian1, Zixuan Meng2, Guolin Yao3
1Department of Medical Imaging, The First Affiliated Hospital of Xi'an Jiaotong University, Xi'an, 710061, P.R. China.
The Journal of Nutrition, Health & Aging
|February 2, 2024
Summary
Maintaining adequate muscle mass is linked to a healthier aorta. Lower skeletal muscle index (SMI) correlates with increased aortic diameter and tortuosity, indicating muscle
Area of Science:
- Cardiovascular Health
- Gerontology
- Radiology
Background:
- Low muscle mass is a known risk factor for cardiovascular disease.
- The relationship between muscle mass and aortic morphology requires further investigation.
Purpose of the Study:
- To examine the association between relative low muscle mass and aortic diameter and tortuosity.
- To determine if skeletal muscle index (SMI) correlates with aortic structural changes.
Main Methods:
- A cross-sectional study involving 208 adults without diagnosed cardiovascular disease.
- Computed Tomography (CT) scans were used to assess aortic diameter and tortuosity.
- Skeletal Muscle Index (SMI) was calculated and correlated with aortic measurements using regression models.
Main Results:
- Skeletal Muscle Index (SMI) showed a significant inverse association with both aortic diameter and tortuosity.
- Multivariable analysis indicated that higher SMI was linked to smaller aortic diameters and reduced tortuosity across different aortic segments.
- Specifically, a one-unit increase in SMI was associated with significant reductions in L1-L5 diameter, aorta tortuosity, descending thoracic aorta tortuosity, and abdominal aorta tortuosity.
Conclusions:
- Relative muscle mass is negatively associated with aortic diameter and tortuosity.
- Maintaining muscle mass may be a protective factor against adverse aortic remodeling and associated cardiovascular risks.
