Synopsis

Keywords: Cross-organ: Obesity, Cross-organ: Tissue characterisation, Image acquisition: Whole body

As part of the course MRI Quantification of Fat: Techniques, Challenges & Clinical Implications, this session will focus on whole body fat quantification. An overview of the available modalities will be given before a closer look is taken at whole body fat quantification using magnetic resonance imaging. The second point of view will be from the perspective of different applications including clinical as well as research within epidemiological studies with large data sets.

As a complement to the previous technical introductory course, we also consider fat-water MR spectroscopy. It can be used in addition to fat-water imaging for more precise local characterisation of adipose tissue.

Whole-Body Fat Quantification

Whole body fat imaging as non-invasive imaging technique allows for the measurement and analysis of body fat distribution in different regions of the body. This technique has gained increasing popularity in recent years due to its potential to aid in the diagnosis and management of obesity-related diseases.
The most commonly used imaging modalities for whole body fat imaging are magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), computed tomography (CT), and dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry (DXA or DEXA). Each of these modalities has its own advantages and limitations, and the choice of modality depends on the specific research or clinical application.
Whole body fat imaging has numerous clinical and research applications, including the assessment of body composition in athletes, the evaluation of the efficacy of weight loss interventions, and the diagnosis and monitoring of metabolic disorders such as diabetes and cardiovascular disease. In addition, the technique has potential applications in the field of precision medicine, allowing for the development of personalized treatment plans based on an individual's unique body fat distribution.
As part of the course MRI Quantification of Fat: Techniques, Challenges & Clinical Implications, this session will focus on whole body fat quantification. An overview of the available modalities including DXA and CT will be given before a closer look is taken at whole body fat quantification using magnetic resonance imaging.
While the physical and technical basics of fat-water imaging were covered in the first course, the focus here is on the challenges of capturing the whole body from had to toe. In addition to the data acquisition side, this also includes data analysis strategies.
The second point of view will be from the perspective of different applications including clinical as well as research within epidemiological studies with large data sets.

Fat-Water MR spectroscopy

As a complement to the previous technical introductory course, we also consider fat-water MR spectroscopy. It can be used in addition to fat-water imaging for more precise local characterisation of adipose tissue. Subsequent organ-specific courses show applications on the liver, among other things.

Acknowledgements

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References

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