Single CT slices were loaded onto the dedicated workstation (Aquarius 3D Workstation, TeraRecon, San Mateo, CA, USA). The subcutaneous adipose tissue area (cm2) and visceral adipose tissue area (cm2) were measured using a single slice (5 mm thickness, 50 cm field view) at different anatomical locations.13 (link),14 (link) We defined the following anatomic locations as measurement sites:13 (link),14 (link) (1) inferior surface of the vertebral body of L1; (2) inferior surface of L2; (3) inferior surface of L3; (4) inferior surface of L4; (5) inferior surface of L5; (6) at the level of the umbilicus; and (7) the superior portion of the right iliac crest ((1)–(6): Figure 1a , (7): Figure 1b ).
For each anatomic location, SAT and VAT were measured by applying predefined image display settings (window width: −195 to −45 HU; center: −120 HU). In order to separate VAT from SAT, the abdominal muscular wall separating the two compartments was automatically traced and subsequently adjusted manually. We have previously shown that area-based measurements are highly reproducible.12 (link)
For each anatomic location, SAT and VAT were measured by applying predefined image display settings (window width: −195 to −45 HU; center: −120 HU). In order to separate VAT from SAT, the abdominal muscular wall separating the two compartments was automatically traced and subsequently adjusted manually. We have previously shown that area-based measurements are highly reproducible.12 (link)
