Variability of Ultrasound Measurement of Cross-Sectional Area of Rectus Femoris Muscle in Critically Ill Adult Patients

Loss of muscle mass has a negative impact on the quality of life of critical care survivors. We studied inter- and intraobserver agreement of ultrasound measurement of rectus femoris cross-sectional area in critically ill adult patients. The interclass correlation coefficients for intra- and interobserver agreement showed excellent correlation. Rectus Femoris Cross-Sectional Area measured by ultrasound can be used in the monitoring of muscle mass in critically ill patients and can be used for estimation of efficacy of muscle protective strategies.