Ultrasound Evaluation of Quadriceps Muscle Dysfunction in Respiratory Disease

Abstract

Purpose: Peripheral muscle dysfunction can encompass reductions in muscle mass, strength, endurance, and fatigability, and is common in both critical illness and chronic respiratory diseases. There is growing interest in nonvolitional methods to quantify the severity of peripheral muscle dysfunction—in particular, the utility of ultrasonography. This review provides an up-to-date narrative synthesis of current knowledge around ultrasonography methodology and the quantitative and qualitative measures that can be obtained from ultrasound imaging. The application of ultrasonography in chronic respiratory disease and critical illness will be discussed alongside the need for standardi..