Human immunodeficiency virus atropy induces modification of subcutaneous adipose tissue architecture: in vivo visualization by high-resolution magnetic resonance imaging.
BACKGROUND
Human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) infection generally induces lipodystrophy. For targeted treatment a better understanding of its development is necessary. The utility of high-resolution magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) is explored.


OBJECTIVE
The present study presents a way to visualize the adipose tissue architecture in vivo and to inspect modifications associated with the atrophy.


METHODS
High-resolution MRI scans with surface coils were performed on the calf and at the lumbar region of three groups of patients: HIV patients with lipoatrophy, HIV patients without lipoatrophy and healthy volunteers. All patients underwent a clinical examination. In addition, dual energy X-ray absorptiometry (DEXA) measurements were taken. On the MRI scans adipose tissue thickness and adipose nodule size were measured. Results High-resolution MRI enabled identification of a clear disorganization of adipose tissue in patients with lipoatrophy. In addition, these patients presented a very small adipose tissue thickness on the calf and a very small nodule size.


RESULTS
led to the hypothesis that adipose tissue disorganization appears before changes in DEXA measurements or clinically visible modifications.


CONCLUSIONS
High-resolution MRI enabled visualization in vivo of precise changes in tissue organization due to HIV lipoatrophy. This imaging technique should be very informative for better monitoring of the atrophy.
Josse
G
G
Paul Fabre Research Institute, CNRS FR 2599, Paul Sabatier University, and Unit of Dermatology, La Grave Hospital, 2 rue Viguerie, Toulouse 31000, France. gwendal.josse@pierre-fabre.com
Gensanne
D
D
Aquilina
C
C
Bernard
J
J
Saint-Martory
C
C
Lagarde
J M
JM
Schmitt
A M
AM
D015502:Absorptiometry, Photon / Q000379:methods; D015992:Body Mass Index; D015658:HIV Infections / Q000473:pathology; D015497:HIV-1; D039682:HIV-Associated Lipodystrophy Syndrome / Q000473:pathology* / Q000821:virology; D006801:Humans; D008279:Magnetic Resonance Imaging / Q000379:methods; D008297:Male; D012307:Risk Factors; D050151:Subcutaneous Fat / Q000473:pathology* / Q000821:virology