Adipose tissue quantification by imaging methods: a proposed classification.
Recent advances in imaging techniques and understanding of differences in the molecular biology of adipose tissue has rendered classical anatomy obsolete, requiring a new classification of the topography of adipose tissue. Adipose tissue is one of the largest body compartments, yet a classification that defines specific adipose tissue depots based on their anatomic location and related functions is lacking. The absence of an accepted taxonomy poses problems for investigators studying adipose tissue topography and its functional correlates. The aim of this review was to critically examine the literature on imaging of whole body and regional adipose tissue and to create the first systematic classification of adipose tissue topography. Adipose tissue terminology was examined in over 100 original publications. Our analysis revealed inconsistencies in the use of specific definitions, especially for the compartment termed "visceral" adipose tissue. This analysis leads us to propose an updated classification of total body and regional adipose tissue, providing a well-defined basis for correlating imaging studies of specific adipose tissue depots with molecular processes.
Shen
Wei
W
Obesity Research Center, St Luke's-Roosevelt Hospital and Institute of Human Nutrition, Columbia University College of Physicians and Surgeons, New York, New York 10025, USA. ws2003@columbia.edu
Wang
ZiMian
Z
Punyanita
Mark
M
Lei
Jianbo
J
Sinav
Ahmet
A
Kral
John G
JG
Imielinska
Celina
C
Ross
Robert
R
Heymsfield
Steven B
SB
D000273:Adipose Tissue / Q000033:anatomy & histology*; D001823:Body Composition; D003952:Diagnostic Imaging; D006801:Humans; D008055:Lipids; D008279:Magnetic Resonance Imaging; D009132:Muscles / Q000033:anatomy & histology; D014057:Tomography, X-Ray Computed; D014781:Viscera
D008055:Lipids