ABSTRACT
The assessment of muscle mass is a fundamental requirement in the diagnosis of sarcopenia. Imaging techniques are usually the preferred method for such purpose, since they accurately allow muscle quantity and quality estimation in a noninvasive manner. However, each method has specific advantages or limitations for its use, and, therefore, the knowledge of their particularities is essential for choosing the most adequate tool for each context.
This chapter approaches the most commonly used imaging methods for muscle evaluation in the sarcopenia diagnosis: ultrasound, dual-energy X-Ray absorptiometry, computerized tomography, and magnetic resonance imaging. The methods are thoroughly discussed, and, finally, the best available choices for different sarcopenia evaluation scenarios are suggested.
