Adipose Tissue Radiodensity in Chronic Diseases: A Literature Review of the Applied Methodologies

Background: The concept of adipose tissue radiodensity is emerging and its relationship to disease prognosis has been infrequently explored. The aims of the present study were to evaluate published literature that explored adipose tissue radiodensity in relation to outcomes in health and disease and to summarize methodologies used to evaluate adipose tissue radiodensity by computed tomography (CT). Methods: A comprehensive literature review included all published studies that applied CT imaging of the abdominal region to define adipose tissue radiodensity. The review was performed without regard for study design or quality. Results: We identified 22 studies that evaluated the relationship between adipose tissue radiodensity and outcomes. The literature reviewed highlights significant methodological variation in terms of abdominal region selected, slice thickness, contrast media, dose, software, and radiodensity ranges used to define adipose tissues. This is primarily due to a lack of consensus about the effect such methodological variables have on body composition parameters. Conclusions: Authors should carefully report adipose tissue radiodensity, especially when it comes to prognosis inference. Consensus on methodology will enable meaningful advancement in understanding the importance of adipose tissue radiodensity in different disease conditions.