Sarcopenia in the foot on magnetic resonance imaging in patients with diabetes mellitus – a systematic review

Sarcopenia is defined by low measures of muscle quantity, quality and reduced physical performance. It is associated with higher levels of frailty. Individuals with diabetes mellitus (DM) undergo sarcopenia at an accelerated rate resulting in structural changes potentially culminating in limb loss.

To review the evidence on methods of detecting and measuring sarcopenic changes on magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) in the foot in patients with diabetes.

A literature review was conducted in accordance with PRISMA guidelines. We searched Embase and Medline (via Ovid), CINAHL (via Ebsco Host), Web of Science and Scopus as well as the grey literature. The MeSH terms “sarcopenia” AND “diabetes mellitus” AND “magnetic resonance imaging” were employed in the primary search string.

874 studies were identified. 404 articles were excluded in the title and abstract screening. 33 studies were assessed for eligibility after abstract and title screening was completed by two reviewers. 7 studies evaluating sarcopenia in the foot were included in the final review.

Sarcopenic changes are evident on MRI of the foot in patients with diabetes and is profound in patients with diabetic neuropathy. The general extent and severity of sarcopenia seems to correlate with clinical scores to assess neuropathy and is implicated in the development of diabetic foot disease.