Visceral Fat Volume From Standard Preoperative CT is an Independent Predictor of Short-term Survival in Patients Undergoing Surgery for Metastatic Spine Disease

Study Design: This is a retrospective cohort. Objective: Determine the relationship of body morphometry to postoperative survival in patients with vertebral metastases. Summary of Background Data: Most operations for vertebral metastases aim for palliation not cure, yet expected patient survival heavily influences treatment plans. We seek to demonstrate that preoperative fat and muscle volumes on standard-of-care computed tomography (CT) are independent predictors of survival after surgery for vertebral metastases. Materials and Methods: Included data were preoperative neurological status, adjuvant treatments, CT-assessed body composition, health comorbidities, details of oncologic disease, and Tomita and Tokuhashi scores. Body composition—visceral fat area, subcutaneous fat area, and total muscle area—were assessed on preoperative L3/4 CT slice with Image J software. Multivariable logistic regressions were used to determine independent predictors of 3-, 6-, and 12-month survival. Results: We included 75 patients (median age, 57, 57.3% male, 66.7% white) with the most common primary lesions being lung (17.3%), prostate (14.7%), colorectal (12.0%), breast (10.7%), and kidney (9.3%). The only independent predictor of 3-month survival was visceral fat area [95% confidence interval (CI): 1.02–1.23 per 1000 mm2; P=0.02]. Independent predictors of survival at 6 months were body mass index (95% CI: 1.04–1.35 per kg/m2; P=0.009), Karnofsky performance status (...
Source: Journal of Spinal Disorders and Techniques - Category: Surgery Tags: PRIMARY RESEARCH Source Type: research