The Magnetic Resonance Imaging of the Psoas Muscle Area as the Prognostic Factor for Survival and Adverse Events in

Kitidate Boonchai1, Borriwat Santipas1, Sirichai Wilartratsami1

  • 1Department of Orthopaedic Surgery, Faculty of Medicine Siriraj Hospital, Mahidol University, Bangkok, Thailand.

Global Spine Journal
|July 29, 2024
PubMed
Abstract

Insights

This study found that psoas muscle area (PMA) measured by MRI can help predict mortality after spinal surgery for metastatic cancer. Smaller PMA is associated with higher mortality rates, suggesting it

Area of Science:

  • Oncology
  • Orthopedics
  • Radiology

Background:

  • Metastatic spinal disease is a common complication of cancer.
  • Surgical intervention is often necessary but carries significant risks.
  • Predictive factors for patient outcomes are crucial for treatment planning.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To evaluate the predictive ability of MRI-based cross-sectional psoas muscle area (PMA) for mortality and adverse events following metastatic spinal surgery.
  • To determine if PMA can serve as a prognostic factor in patients undergoing this procedure.

Main Methods:

  • Retrospective chart review of 120 patients who underwent metastatic spinal surgery.
  • Measurement of cross-sectional PMA at L3 or L4 pedicle level using MR-imaging.
  • Analysis of PMA association with 30-day, 90-day, 1-year, and overall mortality using Cox proportional hazard regression.

Main Results:

  • Patients with smaller PMA tertiles exhibited higher mortality rates.
  • PMA tertile 2 showed a significantly higher 90-day mortality rate (38%) compared to tertile 3.
  • Each 1 mm² increment in PMA correlated with a 1% increase in survivorship.

Conclusions:

  • MRI-based cross-sectional PMA is a potential predictor of 90-day and overall mortality in spinal metastasis patients.
  • PMA should be considered a significant prognostic factor in managing patients with metastatic spinal disease.