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Updated: Jul 13, 2026
Segmentation and Linear Measurement for Body Composition Analysis using Slice-O-Matic and Horos
Published on: March 21, 2021
Multiple myeloma with spinal involvement: Renal dysfunction and albuminuria are associated with progressive
Julian Kylies1, Dominik Kylies2,3, Katja Weisel4
1Department of Trauma and Orthopedic Surgery, University Medical Center Hamburg-Eppendorf, Hamburg, Germany.
Background:
Kidney dysfunction is a frequent complication of multiple myeloma (MM). However, its associations with sarcopenia and visceral adipose tissue loss, emerging prognostic markers of frailty, remain insufficiently characterized in MM. Computed tomography (CT)-based morphometry provides an objective and reproducible assessment of body composition. Albuminuria, an established marker of kidney damage, is often underrecognized outside nephrology despite its potential relevance for disease burden and physical decline.
Methods:
We retrospectively analyzed 86 MM patients (2009-2024) with three sequential whole-body CT scans. CT morphometry included skeletal muscle index (SMI), paraspinal muscle index (PSMI), psoas muscle index (PMI), skeletal muscle density (SMD), and visceral adipose tissue (VAT). Kidney function (serum creatinine, eGFR, albuminuria) and serum albumin were assessed in relation to longitudinal changes in body composition and clinical outcomes, including Eastern Cooperative Oncology Group (ECOG) performance status, pain severity (VAS), and World Health Organization (WHO) analgesic use.
Results:
Both impaired baseline kidney function (eGFR <60 mL/min) and progressive eGFR decline (≥25 %) were associated with significantly accelerated loss of skeletal and visceral muscle parameters. Notably, patients with stable but impaired baseline kidney function also exhibited greater muscle and fat loss compared with those with preserved and stable renal function. Albuminuria >30 mg/24 h was also associated with adverse CT morphometry, irrespective of eGFR. In addition, baseline hypoalbuminemia (<3.5 g/dL) and longitudinal serum albumin declines ≥10 % correlated with unfavorable CT-morphometric trajectories. Functionally, progressive kidney dysfunction was associated with worsening ECOG performance status.
Conclusions:
Kidney dysfunction was independently associated with muscle and adipose tissue loss in MM patients. In addition, albuminuria represents an additional, underrecognized marker of progressive sarcopenia, even independent of eGFR. These findings underscore the importance of integrating renal parameters and sequential imaging-based assessments for risk stratification and supportive care planning in patients with MM.
