Prevalence

The measurement tool significantly influenced prevalence estimates. Whole-body CT had the highest overall burden of clinically relevant incidental findings among the scan scopes assessed. Diagnostic frameworks do not consistently explain prevalence variation. Reported prevalence of probable sarcopenia varies substantially across countries and study designs. Substantial heterogeneity supported use of a random effects model. Large prevalence differences can appear within the same country. Reported prevalence of incidental findings requiring any intervention in whole-body CT studies ranged from 15.7% to 58.7%. Severe symptoms were rare, though the article reports inconsistent percentages for severe cases. Confidence in the prevalence estimate was judged moderate after removing outliers and non-DDPRQ studies. The review aims to estimate pooled prevalence of probable sarcopenia globally and by region.