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Magnetic Resonance Materials in Physics, Biology and Medicine
Published in: Magnetic Resonance Materials in Physics, Biology and Medicine 2/2016

01-04-2016 | Review Article

Segmentation and quantification of adipose tissue by magnetic resonance imaging

Authors: Houchun Harry Hu, Jun Chen, Wei Shen

Published in: Magnetic Resonance Materials in Physics, Biology and Medicine | Issue 2/2016

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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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Metadata
Title
Segmentation and quantification of adipose tissue by magnetic resonance imaging
Authors
Houchun Harry Hu
Jun Chen
Wei Shen
Publication date
01-04-2016
Publisher
Springer Berlin Heidelberg
Published in
Magnetic Resonance Materials in Physics, Biology and Medicine / Issue 2/2016
Print ISSN: 0968-5243
Electronic ISSN: 1352-8661
DOI
https://doi.org/10.1007/s10334-015-0498-z

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