Utility of high‐resolution ultrasound in measuring subcutaneous fat thickness

Abstract

Objective: Previous studies conclude that high-resolution ultrasound (HRUS) enables noninvasive and accurate measurements of subcutaneous fat thickness. The primary objective of this cross-sectional study was to better characterize subcutaneous fat thickness measurements in a diverse patient population using HRUS. Secondarily, we sought to correlate these measurements with patients' body image. Methods: A cross-sectional study to measure subcutaneous fat measurements at seven distinct anatomic sites, including upper and lower extremities, submental, and torso regions, in 40 men and women of different ages and races using HRUS. Independent t-tests and analysis of variance were performed to analyze findings. Results: In our patient population, on average, women had thicker subcutaneous fat than men at all anatomic sites. Asian patients had significantly reduced fat thickness at peripheral anatomic sites, such as arms when compared to patients who identified as Black and Other (p = 0.05 and p = 0.008, respectively). Lastly, women reported decreased total body satisfaction at all anatomic sites when compared to men. Conclusion:The information obtained and methods developed in this study may be utilized clinically during patient selection for fat reduction procedures, including for estimating the degree of likely benefit; for managing pathologies involving subcutaneous fat thickness alteration; and to monitor the progression of lipodystrophy secondary to disease or drugs.

Association between Birth Weight and Subcutaneous Fat Thickness at Adulthood in Dogs

“…Among variation factors, as reported elsewhere in dogs [ 52 , 53 ] and in other species (humans [ 54 ] and lambs [ 55 ]), the adiposity of adult dogs increased with age and neuter status. Contrary to what has been observed in humans [ 50 , 56 , 57 ], lambs [ 55 ] or pigs [ 58 ], no influence of sex on SFT values was observed in our population of Labradors. Further studies, including breed effect, are warranted to explore the parameters involved in the pattern of subcutaneous fat deposition in the canine species.…”

“…SFT at the lumbar region was also well correlated with BCS (r = 0.62) with a gradual increase, as shown in Figure 2 , suggesting that this anatomical area may be useful to assess dog body composition in dogs, such as back fat thickness in livestock species [ 43 ]. As in humans, fat deposition varied depending on the anatomical region [ 50 , 51 ], subcutaneous fat being thicker in the lumbar area compared to the flanks and abdomen. Among variation factors, as reported elsewhere in dogs [ 52 , 53 ] and in other species (humans [ 54 ] and lambs [ 55 ]), the adiposity of adult dogs increased with age and neuter status.…”

Hybrid Bladder Phantom to Validate Next-Generation Optical Wearables for Neurogenic Bladder Volume Monitoring

“…Another limitation is the use of a 2 cm silicone wall to simulate the human abdomen. In a healthy individual, the adipose layer thickness of the abdomen can range from 1.5 cm to 2.1 cm [ 29 ]. However, in obese individuals, the thickness of the abdominal wall can exceed 4 cm [ 30 ].…”

Tapencarium (RZL-012) for Flank Fat Reduction: A Proof-of-Concept Study

“… 14 Other objective measurements proposed for assessing reduction of adipose tissue are high-resolution ultrasound and diffuse optical spectroscopic imaging, the latter of which was tested in a patient undergoing cryolipolysis, in whom a decrease in the adipose layer was shown 60 days after treatment. 15 , 16 All of these are potential efficacy measures that could be explored for future phase 2 dose-ranging studies. Because this was a proof-of-concept study, it has many limitations, including a small sample size, a single treatment session, and a lack of robust efficacy endpoints.…”