CT-Defined Pectoralis Muscle Density Predicts 30-Day Mortality in Hospitalized Patients with COVID-19: A Nationwide Multicenter Study.

Publication date: Dec 14, 2024

The prognostic role of computed tomography (CT)-defined skeletal muscle features in COVID-19 is still under investigation. The aim of the present study was to evaluate the prognostic role of CT-defined skeletal muscle area and density in patients with COVID-19 in a multicenter setting. This retrospective study is a part of the German multicenter project RACOON (Radiological Cooperative Network of the COVID-19 pandemic). The acquired sample included 1379 patients, 389 (28. 2%) women and 990 (71. 8%) men. In each case, chest CT was analyzed and pectoralis muscle area and density were calculated. Data were analyzed by means of descriptive statistics. Group differences were calculated using the Mann-Whitney-U test and Fisher’s exact test. Univariable and multivariable logistic regression analyses were performed. The 30-day mortality was 17. 9%. Using median values as thresholds, low pectoralis muscle density (LPMD) was a strong and independent predictor of 30-day mortality, HR=2. 97, 95%-CI: 1. 52-5. 80, p=0. 001. Also in male patients, LPMD predicted independently 30-day mortality, HR=2. 96, 95%-CI: 1. 42-6. 18, p=0. 004. In female patients, the analyzed pectoralis muscle parameters did not predict 30-day mortality. For patients under 60 years of age, LPMD was strongly associated with 30-day mortality, HR=2. 72, 95%-CI: 1. 17;6. 30, p=0. 019. For patients over 60 years of age, pectoralis muscle parameters could not predict 30-day mortality. In male patients with COVID-19, low pectoralis muscle density is strongly associated with 30-day mortality and can be used for risk stratification. In female patients with COVID-19, pectoralis muscle parameters cannot predict 30-day mortality.

Concepts Keywords
Ct Body composition
Fisher COVID-19
German CT
Pandemic Sarcopenia
Women Skeletal muscle

Semantics

Type Source Name
disease MESH COVID-19
disease IDO role
disease MESH Sarcopenia

Original Article

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