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Relationship between sudden natural death and abdominal fat evaluated on postmortem CT scans
Y Kaichi1, H Sakane1, H Higashibori1
1Diagnostic Radiology Hiroshima University Hiroshima Japan.
Obesity Science & Practice
|July 14, 2017
Summary
Sudden natural death is linked to increased abdominal fat deposits, particularly visceral fat. Postmortem CT scans revealed that higher visceral fat areas independently predict the risk of sudden natural death.
Area of Science:
- Forensic pathology
- Radiology
- Public health
Background:
- Abdominal obesity is a known risk factor for various health issues.
- The specific association between abdominal fat distribution and sudden natural death requires further investigation.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the relationship between abdominal fat measurements and sudden natural death.
- To identify specific abdominal fat parameters independently associated with sudden natural death.
Main Methods:
- Utilized postmortem computed tomography (CT) scans of 241 subjects aged 40-75.
- Measured subcutaneous fat area, visceral fat area, and waist circumference at the umbilical level.
- Employed logistic regression analysis to determine independent predictors of sudden natural death.
Main Results:
- Univariate analysis showed significantly larger subcutaneous and visceral fat areas in subjects who died of sudden natural death.
- Multivariate analysis identified visceral fat area as an independent risk factor for sudden natural death (OR=1.008, p=0.02).
Conclusions:
- Postmortem CT imaging demonstrates a significant association between abdominal fat deposits and sudden natural death.
- Increased visceral fat is an independent predictor of sudden natural death risk.
