The association of reduced bone density with paraspinal muscle atrophy and adipose tissue in geriatric patients: a cross-sectional CT study

BACKGROUND/AIM: The aim of the study is to examine the relationship among bone density, adipose tissue, and muscle mass with abdominal CT in geriatric patients. MATERIALS AND METHODS: The study is a retrospective cohort study of patients 65 years and over who underwent abdominal CT for any reason between October 2017 and July 2018. Third lumbar vertebra density, fatty degeneration of the paraspinal muscle, subcutaneous adipose tissue, and mesenteric adipose tissue ratio were evaluated. RESULTS: A total of 312 patients, 144 females and 168 males, were included in the study. Reduced bone density was found in 237 (76%) patients. Reduced bone density and muscle atrophy was more frequent in females (P < 0.001). Muscle atrophy was found to occur 5.7 times more frequently in cases of reduced bone density (OR, 95% CI = 5.74 (3.27–10.09), P < 0.001). There was no significant relationship found between reduced bone density and subcutaneous adipose tissue thickness or mesenteric adipose tissue ratio (P = 0.073, P = 0.939, respectively). CONCLUSION: In the geriatric age group, reduced bone density and muscle atrophy were quite common and were significantly more frequent in women. Furthermore, a strong association between reduced bone density and muscle atrophy was found. No relationship was found between reduced bone density and subcutaneous adipose tissue thickness–mesenteric adipose ratio.