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Segmentation and quantification of adipose tissue by magnetic resonance imaging

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Abstract

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.

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Acknowledgments

H. Hu acknowledges research support from Philips Healthcare and literature reference assistance from librarian Kathy Zeblisky, MLS, of Phoenix Children’s Hospital.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Department of Radiology, Phoenix Children’s Hospital, 1919 East Thomas Road, Phoenix, AZ, 85016, USA

    Houchun Harry Hu

  2. Obesity Research Center, Department of Medicine, Columbia University Medical Center, 1150 Saint Nicholas Avenue, New York, NY, 10032, USA

    Jun Chen

  3. 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 Shen

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  1. Houchun Harry Hu
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Hu, H.H., Chen, J. & Shen, W. Segmentation and quantification of adipose tissue by magnetic resonance imaging. Magn Reson Mater Phy 29, 259–276 (2016). https://doi.org/10.1007/s10334-015-0498-z

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