Table 2.

Features of commonly applied advanced non-invasive methods to quantify skeletal muscle and fat compartments.

Modality	Main Advantages	Main Disadvantages
CT	Validated cut-offs for sarcopenia. Possibility of detailed analysis of fat. Often available for other diagnostic purposes.	High radiation dose limits the possibility of repeated assessments.
DXA	High precision and relatively inexpensive.	Influenced by hydration (lower precision in decompensation or obesity)
BIA	Readily available, fast, and inexpensive.	Influenced by hydration Low precision
MRI	Best soft tissue resolution, which makes it suitable for detailed analysis of both muscle and fat compartments.	Limited access Expensive
US	Can be performed bedside and simultaneously with liver ultrasound diagnostics.	No standardization Limited reproducibility

CT: Computed tomography, DXA: Dual-energy X-ray Absorptiometry, BIA: Bioelectrical Impedance Analysis, MRI: Magnetic Resonance Imaging, US: Ultrasonography.