Estimation of body composition in muscular dystrophy by MRI and stereology

We have applied the Cavalieri method of modem design stereology with magnet ic resonance imaging for estimating the volume of whole-body muscle and fat compartments In four patients with muscular dystrophy, a patient with myop athy, five controls, an anorexic subject, and a body builder. Detailed syst ematic series (ie, 50) of axial MR images (T1-weighted, TR/TE 400/10 msec) were obtained throughout the whole body of each subject. The results showed that 15, 20, and 35 axial sections through the body are sufficient to secu re coefficients of error (CEs) on the estimates of total muscle and fat vol ume of around 10%, 5%, and 3% respectively in muscular dystrophy patients a nd controls. The mean normalized volumes of muscle in four muscular dystrop hy patients were decreased. by 27% (t-test: P < 0.05), and those of total f at were Increased by 12% (t-test: P > 0.05) relative to controls. The Caval ieri method provides a direct, efficient, and mathematically unbiased appro ach for studying human body compartments and may have application In assess ing treatment efficacy in patients with muscular dystrophy. (C) 2000 Wiley- Liss, Inc.