Quantitative muscle ultrasound in children with Duchenne muscular dystrophy: Comparing to magnetic resonance imaging

Objective: There is a need today for favorable biomarkers to follow up on the disease progression and therapeutic response in patients with Duchenne muscular dystrophy (DMD). This study evaluates whether quantitative muscle ultrasound (QMUS) or magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) is more suitable for the assessment of DMD in China. Methods: Thirty-six boys with DMD, who were treated with prednisone from baseline to month 12, were enrolled in this longitudinal, observational cohort study. Muscle thickness and echo intensity on QMUS and T1-weighted MRI grading were measured in the right rectus femoris. Results: Scores for muscle thickness and echo intensity in QMUS and T1-weighted MRI grading showed significant correlations with the clinical characteristics of muscle strength, timed testing, and quality of life (p < 0.05). Scores for muscle thickness and echo intensity on QMUS also showed good correlations with T1-weighted MRI grading (p < 0.05). However, 15 of 36 boys with DMD did not undergo MRI examinations for various reasons. Conclusions: QMUS and MRI can be used as biomarkers for tracking DMD to some extent. Both have strengths and weaknesses and the specific needs and goals of the clinical or research project are what make one preferable to the other.