Segmentation and quantification of adipose tissue by magnetic resonance imaging.
In this brief review, introductory concepts in animal and human adipose tissue segmentation using proton magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) and computed tomography are summarized in the context of obesity research. Adipose tissue segmentation and quantification using spin relaxation-based (e.g., T1-weighted, T2-weighted), relaxometry-based (e.g., T1-, T2-, T2*-mapping), chemical-shift selective, and chemical-shift encoded water-fat MRI pulse sequences are briefly discussed. The continuing interest to classify subcutaneous and visceral adipose tissue depots into smaller sub-depot compartments is mentioned. The use of a single slice, a stack of slices across a limited anatomical region, or a whole body protocol is considered. Common image post-processing steps and emerging atlas-based automated segmentation techniques are noted. Finally, the article identifies some directions of future research, including a discussion on the growing topic of brown adipose tissue and related segmentation considerations.
Department of Radiology, Phoenix Children's Hospital, 1919 East Thomas Road, Phoenix, AZ, 85016, USA. hhu1@phoenixchildrens.com.
Houchun Harry
http://orcid.org/0000-0002-0719-1159
HH
Hu
Obesity Research Center, Department of Medicine, Columbia University Medical Center, 1150 Saint Nicholas Avenue, New York, NY, 10032, USA.
Jun
J
Chen
Obesity Research Center, Department of Medicine and Institute of Human Nutrition, Columbia University Medical Center, 1150 Saint Nicholas Avenue, New York, NY, 10032, USA.
Wei
W
Shen
D000273:Adipose Tissue / Q000033:anatomy & histology* / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging*; D050154:Adiposity; D000465:Algorithms; D000818:Animals; D006801:Humans; D007089:Image Enhancement / Q000379:methods; D007090:Image Interpretation, Computer-Assisted / Q000379:methods*; D021621:Imaging, Three-Dimensional / Q000379:methods; D008279:Magnetic Resonance Imaging / Q000379:methods*; D009929:Organ Size; D010363:Pattern Recognition, Automated / Q000379:methods*; D015203:Reproducibility of Results; D012680:Sensitivity and Specificity
Adipose tissue; Body composition; Computed tomography; Magnetic resonance imaging; Obesity; Quantification; Segmentation