Semi-automated volumetry of MRI serves as a biomarker in neuromuscular patients

Abstract

Background: Muscle MRI is of increasing importance for neuromuscular patients to detect changes in muscle volume, fat-infiltration, and edema. We developed a method for semi-automated segmentation of muscle MRI datasets. Methods: An active contour-evolution algorithm implemented within the ITK-SNAP software was used to segment T1-weighted MRI, and to quantify muscle volumes of neuromuscular patients (n = 65). Results: Semi-automated compared with manual segmentation was shown to be accurate and time-efficient. Muscle volumes and ratios of thigh/lower leg volume were lower in myopathy patients than in controls (P