Quantification of intermuscular and intramuscular adipose tissue using magnetic resonance imaging after neurodegenerative disorders

Neural Regeneration Research, 2017 · DOI: 10.4103/1673-5374.221170 · Published: December 1, 2017

Simple Explanation

Ectopic adiposity, the storage of fat in non-subcutaneous areas, is linked to metabolic and cardiovascular issues, especially in those with spinal cord injuries (SCI). MRI can measure different fat depots like intermuscular (IMAT) and intramuscular (IntraMAT) adipose tissue, but accurately quantifying these is debated. This review compares methods like Midpoint and Otsu for determining the threshold between muscle and fat pixels on MRI, hoping to improve accurate measurement of ectopic adiposity in SCI patients.

Study Duration

Not specified

Participants

10 abled-bodied individuals

Evidence Level

Review

Key Findings

1
Significant differences exist between the Midpoint and Otsu methods in quantifying intramuscular adipose tissue (%IntraMAT) in the knee extensor muscle group.
2
The Otsu method generated a 60% higher mean threshold value than the Midpoint method, leading to significantly different %IntraMAT values.
3
The study highlights the variability in IntraMAT CSA values generated by different quantification methods, emphasizing the need for consistency in longitudinal studies.

Research Summary

This review explores techniques for quantifying intermuscular (IMAT) and intramuscular (IntraMAT) adipose tissue using MRI, highlighting inconsistencies in past studies. It compares the Otsu and Midpoint methods for creating bimodal histograms for pixel-to-pixel tissue segmentation in MRI, crucial due to adiposity's link with cardiometabolic health. The study reveals significant differences between the two methods in threshold values and %IntraMAT, emphasizing the need for standardized quantification approaches.

Practical Implications

Improved Accuracy in Adiposity Measurement

Refining methods for quantifying IMAT/IntraMAT can lead to more accurate assessments of ectopic adiposity, especially in SCI patients.

Consistent Methodology in Research

Longitudinal studies should maintain consistent quantification methods to avoid variability in results.

Understanding Metabolic Health

Accurate quantification of adipose tissue depots can enhance understanding of their impact on metabolic health, insulin sensitivity, and related comorbidities.

Study Limitations

1
Magnetic field inconsistency in T1-weighted images necessitates corrections before analysis.
2
Poor signal-to-noise ratio can skew image contrast, affecting pixel signal intensities and accuracy.
3
Muscle spasms during scanning can introduce artifacts, and severe muscle atrophy makes precise anatomical border definition difficult.

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