Sonographic evaluation of visceral fat by measuring para- and perirenal fat

To evaluate a new method of determining visceral fat amount by measuring para- and perirenal fat on abdominal sonography.

Fifty-seven patients hospitalized for treatment of their diabetes were examined via waist circumference, abdominal sonography, and CT. On sonography, the thickness of combined para- and perirenal fat was measured between the kidney and the inner aspect of the abdominal musculature. Measurements on both sides were averaged as the ultrasound fat thickness (UFT). The visceral fat area was measured on abdominal CT scans at the umbilicus level. Visceral fat deposition was considered elevated above 100 cm2.

UFT correlated significantly with VFA and waist circumference (p < 0.0001). A VFA of 100 cm2 was equivalent to a UFT of 10 mm. Waist circumference values of 85 cm in males and 90 cm in females were equivalent to UFT measurements of 11 and 10 mm, respectively.

A UFT of > or =10 mm reflects increased visceral fat deposition.