The relation between mortality, intramuscular adipose tissue and sarcopenia in hospitalized geriatric patients

Introduction One of the biggest healthcare challenges that arises with increasing age expectations is sarcopenia. However, as a multi-dimensional construct with both neurological and musculoskeletal factors involved, the exact contribution of these different components of sarcopenia to mortality outcomes is not clear. Therefore, in mortality assessment, it is advisable to use subitems of sarcopenia such as the intramuscular adipose tissue (IMAT), instead of using sarcopenia as a construct itself. IMAT is negatively correlated with strength and performance, and positively correlated with mortality, both all-cause and cardiovascular. In this study, IMAT and its relation to long-term mortality, muscle strength and function is studied.