CT-based assessment of myosteatosis as an indicator of surgical outcomes
Overview
This systematic review evaluates the association between CT-derived myosteatosis and postoperative outcomes in esophagogastric cancer surgery. Myosteatosis is linked to major postoperative complications, with effect sizes ranging from approximately 2 to 5 across studies.
Background
Myosteatosis, characterized by fatty infiltration of skeletal muscle, is increasingly recognized as a marker of perioperative vulnerability in oncologic surgery. Understanding its impact on surgical outcomes is crucial, particularly in esophagogastric cancer, where patients often face significant physiological demands during surgery.
Data Highlights
Study Count
Patient Count
Effect Size Range
22
6,733
2 to 5
Key Findings
Myosteatosis is consistently associated with major postoperative complications (Clavien–Dindo ≥ III).
Associations with overall morbidity and specific complications are more heterogeneous.
Muscle quality may demonstrate stronger prognostic associations than muscle quantity alone, according to some studies.
Composite body composition measures integrating muscle quality with other parameters show improved predictive performance.
Substantial methodological heterogeneity limits comparability and clinical implementation of findings.
Clinical Implications
Standardization of muscle quality assessment methods is necessary for clinical application.
Conclusion
CT-derived myosteatosis is an important marker for predicting postoperative morbidity in esophagogastric cancer surgery.
