Refining visceral adipose tissue quantification: influence of sex, age, and BMI on single slice estimation in 3D MRI of the German National Cohort

OBJECTIVES: High prevalence of visceral obesity and its associated complications underscore the importance of accurately quantifying visceral adipose tissue (VAT) depots. While whole-body MRI offers comprehensive insights into adipose tissue distribution, it is resource-intensive. Alternatively, evaluation of defined single slices provides an efficient approach for estimation of total VAT volume. This study investigates the influence of sex-, age-, and BMI on VAT distribution along the craniocaudal axis and total VAT volume obtained from single slice versus volumetric assessment in 3D MRI and aims to identify age-independent locations for accurate estimation of VAT volume from single slice assessment. MATERIALS AND METHODS: This secondary analysis of the prospective population-based German National Cohort (NAKO) included 3D VIBE Dixon MRI from 11,191 participants (screened between May 2014 and December 2016). VAT and spine segmentations were automatically generated using fat-selective images. Standardized craniocaudal VAT profiles were generated. Axial percentage of total VAT was used for identification of reference locations for volume estimation of VAT from a single slice. RESULTS: Data from 11,036 participants (mean age, 52 ± 11 years, 5681 men) were analyzed. Craniocaudal VAT distribution differed qualitatively between men/women and with respect to age/BMI. Age-independent single slice VAT estimates demonstrated strong correlations with reference VAT volumes. Anatomical locations for accurate VAT estimation varied with sex/BMI. CONCLUSIONS: The selection of reference locations should be different depending on BMI groups, with a preference for caudal shifts in location with increasing BMI. For women with obesity (BMI >30 kg/m(2)), the L1 level emerges as the optimal reference location.