Related Experiment Video

Updated: Apr 11, 2026

Fat-Water Phantoms for Magnetic Resonance Imaging Validation: A Flexible and Scalable Protocol
07:59

Fat-Water Phantoms for Magnetic Resonance Imaging Validation: A Flexible and Scalable Protocol

Published on: September 7, 2018

12.3K

Sonographic assessment of abdominal fat distribution during the first year of infancy

Christina Brei1, Daniela Much1, Ellen Heimberg2

  • 1Else Kröner-Fresenius-Center for Nutritional Medicine, Klinikum rechts der Isar, Technische Universität München, Munich, Germany.

Pediatric Research
|June 9, 2015
PubMed

Insights

Ultrasonography (US) is a reliable method to measure infant abdominal fat. Subcutaneous fat increased then decreased, while preperitoneal fat continuously grew during the first year.

Area of Science:

  • Pediatric Endocrinology
  • Developmental Biology
  • Medical Imaging

Background:

  • Limited longitudinal data exists on infant fat distribution in early life.
  • Understanding early adipose tissue development is crucial for long-term health outcomes.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To investigate the development of abdominal subcutaneous (SC) and preperitoneal (PP) fat depots in infants up to one year of age.
  • To assess the feasibility and reproducibility of ultrasonography (US) for quantifying these fat depots.
  • To compare US findings with skinfold thickness (SFT) and anthropometric measurements.

Main Methods:

  • Longitudinal study involving 162 healthy infants up to 1 year postpartum.
  • Noninvasive ultrasonography (US) used to measure SC and PP fat thickness.
  • Comparison of US data with skinfold thickness (SFT) and anthropometry at 6 weeks, 4 months, and 1 year.

Main Results:

  • Ultrasonography (US) demonstrated reproducibility for quantifying abdominal SC and PP adipose tissue (AT) in infants.
  • SC fat thickness increased from 6 weeks to 4 months, then decreased at 1 year; PP fat thickness continuously increased.
  • Girls exhibited higher SC fat mass than boys, with no sex difference in PP fat.
  • SC fat correlated strongly with SFT, while PP fat showed weak correlation with anthropometric measures.

Conclusions:

  • Ultrasonography (US) is a feasible and reproducible method for quantifying abdominal fat mass in infants up to one year of age.
  • Abdominal SC and PP fat depots exhibit distinct developmental patterns during the first year of life.
Abstract

More Related Videos

Author Spotlight: A Non-Invasive Tool to Assess and Differentiate Fat Patterns in Liver Using 3D Dixon MRI05:37

Author Spotlight: A Non-Invasive Tool to Assess and Differentiate Fat Patterns in Liver Using 3D Dixon MRI

Published on: October 20, 2023

2.5K
Differentiation and Imaging of Brown Adipocytes from the Stromal Vascular Fraction of Interscapular Adipose Tissue from Newborn Mice04:46

Differentiation and Imaging of Brown Adipocytes from the Stromal Vascular Fraction of Interscapular Adipose Tissue from Newborn Mice

Published on: February 3, 2023

2.6K

Related Concept Videos

Ultrasound I: Abdominal Ultrasonography01:20

Ultrasound I: Abdominal Ultrasonography

Introduction:
Abdominal ultrasonography, commonly known as abdominal ultrasound, is a vital, non-invasive medical imaging technique widely used in healthcare.
Procedure:
This diagnostic tool allows the clinician to visually inspect internal structures within the abdomen, including vital organs such as the liver, gallbladder, pancreas, kidneys, and spleen.
The abdominal ultrasound process begins with applying a special gel to the patient's skin over the abdomen. This gel enhances the...
3.0K
Assessment of the Abdomen I: Inspection and Auscultation01:25

Assessment of the Abdomen I: Inspection and Auscultation

Introduction
The abdominal examination is a cornerstone of clinical medicine, serving as a critical tool in diagnosing various gastrointestinal (GI) diseases. It involves a systematic approach that includes inspection and auscultation, each with distinct yet complementary roles in assessing the abdomen. This article will delve into these two primary methods healthcare professionals use to examine the abdomen.
Inspection of the Abdomen
The first step in any abdominal examination is inspection....
3.3K
Assessment of the Abdomen III: Palpation01:23

Assessment of the Abdomen III: Palpation

Palpation is a crucial tactile examination method for assessing abdominal organs and detecting conditions like tenderness, distention, masses, or fluid. It involves both light and deep palpation techniques, each serving specific diagnostic purposes. Light palpation helps identify tenderness and other surface-level indicators, while deep palpation locates and assess abdominal masses and organ boundaries. A skilled professional can gather valuable insights through palpation, including evaluating...
5.2K
Ultrasonography01:17

Ultrasonography

Ultrasonography is an imaging technique that uses high-frequency sound waves to visualize the body's internal structures. It is a non-invasive and safe procedure that does not involve the use of ionizing radiation, making it widely used in various medical fields. Ultrasonography is used to study heart function, blood flow in the neck or extremities, certain conditions such as gallbladder disease, and fetal growth and development.
During an ultrasonography procedure, a handheld device called...
8.4K
Assessment of the Abdomen II: Percussion01:18

Assessment of the Abdomen II: Percussion

Percussion is a fundamental technique used to assess the liver, spleen, and abdominal organs by tapping the abdomen and interpreting the resulting sounds. This method helps identify fluid, distention, and masses through variations in sound, such as the high-pitched tympany of air-filled areas and the dullness of solid masses. Understanding how to percuss these organs provides valuable information for healthcare professionals in diagnosing conditions early.
Percussion
Percussion is an essential...
3.5K
Imaging Studies II: Ultrasonography01:24

Imaging Studies II: Ultrasonography

IntroductionUltrasonography, or renal ultrasound, is a noninvasive medical imaging technique that uses high-frequency sound waves to visualize the kidneys, ureters, bladder, and surrounding tissues.Indications for Urinary System UltrasonographyUrinary system ultrasonography is indicated in various clinical scenarios, such as:Kidney Stones (Urolithiasis): To detect and monitor the size and presence of kidney or urinary tract stones.Hydronephrosis: To assess the dilation of the renal pelvis and...
774