title: Three-dimensional study of the skin/subcutaneous complex using in vivo whole body 3T MRI: review of the literature and confirmation of a generic pattern of organization.
abstract: OBJECTIVE
  With a view to developing a tool for predicting the behavior of soft tissues during plastic surgery procedures, we looked for the existence of homologies in the overall pattern of organization of the skin/subcutaneous tissue complex between various body parts, using high-resolution in vivo imaging methods and data available in the literature.
  
  
  METHODS
  3T MRI scanning sequences were performed using appropriate radiofrequency coils on the face, thorax, breast, abdomen and lower extremity of six healthy volunteers. The radiological findings were segmented and converted into volumetric data.
  
  
  RESULTS
  The superficial and deep adipose tissue was found to be clearly separated by an intermediate layer called stratum membranosum or superficial fascia. This continuous layer covered all the anatomical parts of the body examined. It was found to have several components in the trunk and limbs and to form a continuous layer with the superficial muscular aponeurotic system in the face. A retaining connective network consisting of superficial and deep retinacula cutis detected in all the regions investigated sometimes formed more densely packed structures playing the role of skin ligaments.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  The results of a 3T MRI study on subcutaneous tissue showed the existence of a common pattern of organization of the skin-subcutaneous tissue complex in the various parts of the body studied. This general model is subject to quantitative variations and tissue differentiation processes promoting the sliding or contractility of the supporting tissue. Three-dimensional reconstructions were obtained by post-processing the MRI images and will be used to perform pre-surgical simulations by settings a generic model that can be adapted to the different localization of the human body in a procedural way.
authors.affiliation: Department of Plastic and Craniofacial Pediatric Surgery, Hospital of Lapeyronie, University of Montpellier-Nîmes, 371 avenue du doyen Gaston Giraud, 34295, Montpellier, France, c-herlin@chu-montpellier.fr.
authors.forename: Christian
authors.initials: C
authors.lastname: Herlin
authors.forename: Alina
authors.initials: A
authors.lastname: Chica-Rosa
authors.forename: Gérard
authors.initials: G
authors.lastname: Subsol
authors.forename: Benjamin
authors.initials: B
authors.lastname: Gilles
authors.forename: Francesco
authors.initials: F
authors.lastname: Macri
authors.forename: Jean Paul
authors.initials: JP
authors.lastname: Beregi
authors.forename: Guillaume
authors.initials: G
authors.lastname: Captier
mesh_terms: D000273:Adipose Tissue / Q000033:anatomy & histology; D000328:Adult; D005260:Female; D064368:Healthy Volunteers; D006801:Humans; D021621:Imaging, Three-Dimensional / Q000379:methods*; D008279:Magnetic Resonance Imaging / Q000379:methods*; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D008953:Models, Anatomic; D012680:Sensitivity and Specificity; D012867:Skin / Q000033:anatomy & histology*; D040521:Subcutaneous Tissue / Q000033:anatomy & histology*; D055815:Young Adult