Comparison of CT derived body composition at the thoracic T4 and T12 with lumbar L3 vertebral levels and their utility in patients with rectal cancer

Abstract

Background: Computed tomography (CT) derived body composition measurements of sarcopenia are an emerging form of prognostication in many disease processes. Although the L3 vertebral level is commonly used to measure skeletal muscle mass, other studies have suggested the utilisation of other segments. This study was performed to assess the variation and reproducibility of skeletal muscle mass at vertebral levels T4, T12 and L3 in pre-operative rectal cancer patients. If thoracic measurements were equivalent to those at L3, it will allow for body composition comparisons in a larger range of cancers where lumbar CT images are not routinely measured. Research methods: Patients with stage I – III..