The purpose of this study is to develop computational methods for cross-comparison of muscle composition measurements in three laboratory ultrasound systems.
The purpose of this study is to develop computational methods for cross-comparison of muscle composition measurements in three laboratory ultrasound systems. We propose a cross-sectional study to obtain ultrasound images of selected muscles in Veteran participants. These data will be used to develop conversion models for each system. Evaluation of neuromuscular symptoms such as muscle weakness and fatigue is crucial to improving quality of life among Veterans. These symptoms may be related to progressive changes in muscle tissue composition, including increased intramuscular fat and atrophy. Quantitative musculoskeletal ultrasound is a diagnostic imaging application used to characterize muscle tissue composition. Despite its non-invasiveness and relative low cost, quantitative musculoskeletal ultrasound has not been widely adopted by the medical community due in part to technical barriers that impede generalization of measurements across ultrasound systems. Unfortunately, few techniques have been proposed to reliably compare system measurements. Development of new cross-comparison methods could expand quantitative musculoskeletal ultrasound applications and improve neuromuscular symptoms diagnosis.
Study Type
OBSERVATIONAL
Enrollment
30
Imaging of the rectus femoris, lower-trapezius, brachioradialis, tibialis anterior, middle deltoid, and pectoralis major will be conducted in Veteran participants during a single visit to the Washington D.C. Veterans Affairs Medical Center. Imaging will be conducted by investigators experienced with quantitative ultrasound using diagnostic musculoskeletal B-mode ultrasound with a 10 Mhz linear transducer.
Washington DC VA Medical Center
Washington D.C., District of Columbia, United States
Echogenicity
Echogenicity values (i.e., image brightness) obtained from the ultrasound scans (units: grayscale levels, 0-255)
Time frame: 1 day
Muscle thickness
Morphometry values (units: cm) obtained from the ultrasound scans using digital calipers.
Time frame: 1 day
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