Scoping review: sarcopenia and outcomes after PAD revascularization
Across 12 studies, sarcopenia prevalence in patients with peripheral artery disease ranged from 9.01% to 66.67%; imaging-evident muscle loss was associated with worse postoperative outcomes, but diagnostic criteria varied widely. [1]
Automatic summary · not editorially reviewed
The key findings
The review examined prevalence, diagnostic methods and the association between sarcopenia and adverse postoperative outcomes in PAD patients undergoing revascularization. [1]
Twelve studies were included; reported sarcopenia prevalence in PAD patients ranged from 9.01% to 66.67%. [1]
Imaging-evident muscle loss was correlated with higher postoperative mortality, more cardiovascular events and poor limb prognosis, but inconsistent criteria and methodological heterogeneity limit generalizability. [1]
The source at a glance
- Study type / format
- Scoping review (Arksey & O'Malley framework, JBI methodology) of 12 studies.
- Population / context
- Patients with peripheral artery disease (PAD) undergoing revascularization, as covered by the included studies.
- Summary based on
- Study abstract
- Original publication
- September 30, 2026
Sarcopenia in PAD patients before revascularization
The review asked how common sarcopenia is in patients with peripheral artery disease (PAD) who undergo revascularization, how it is assessed, and how it relates to outcomes after surgery. Sarcopenia is described as a degenerative skeletal muscle disease linked to aging and chronic diseases. The authors note that systematic evidence on this topic in PAD patients was lacking.
Supporting source [1]
Twelve studies, wide prevalence range, imaging-based diagnosis
Twelve studies published in Chinese or English were included, searched in seven databases up to June 30, 2025. Reported sarcopenia prevalence in PAD patients ranged from 9.01% to 66.67%. Most studies diagnosed sarcopenia only from imaging-derived muscle parameters, without comprehensively assessing muscle strength and physical function. Despite these limitations, imaging-evident muscle loss was correlated with higher postoperative mortality, more cardiovascular events and poor limb prognosis.
Supporting source [1]
Heterogeneous methods limit generalizability of PAD findings
The authors conclude that sarcopenia is prevalent among PAD patients and a potential risk factor for adverse postoperative outcomes. However, inconsistent diagnostic criteria and substantial methodological heterogeneity across studies restrict how far the evidence can be generalized. They call for a standardized, multidimensional assessment system and high-quality prospective studies to clarify the perioperative prognostic value.
Supporting source [1]
How to interpret this
Abstract only; the full text was not reviewed. The review itself reports inconsistent diagnostic criteria and substantial methodological heterogeneity across the 12 included studies, which limits generalizability. Associations are not causes.
Based on the study abstract; the full paper, tables and supplementary data were not reviewed.
Source & supporting passages
Liu Y, Jin W, Zhou T. · europepmc.org · September 30, 2026