Association between Muscle Function, Quantitative MRI, and Phosphorus-31 MRS Parameters in Heart Failure Patients with Sarcopenia

Motivation: Quantitative MRI (qMRI) and phosphorus-31 (31P-MRS) show promise for assessing muscle quality and mitochondrial function, particularly in heart failure (HF) patients with sarcopenia, a condition of progressive muscle loss and dysfunction. Goal(s): This study examines whether qMRI and 31P-MRS can distinguish muscle quality and relate to muscle function in HF patients with and without sarcopenia. Approach: qMRI measures (T1, T2, T1ρ, proton density fat fraction [PDFF]) and 31P-MRS (metabolite ratios, PCr recovery) were compared between non-sarcopenic and sarcopenic HF patients and correlated with muscle function. Results: While qMRI values did not differ, T1, T1ρ, and PDFF correlated with function in sarcopenic HF patients. Impact: This study highlights the potential of qMRI and 31P-MRS to noninvasively characterize muscle quality and mitochondrial function in HF patients with sarcopenia, which could inform targeted interventions.