Correlative Ultrasound Evaluation of Anterior Abdominal Wall Subcutaneous Tissue Thickness in Type 2 Diabetic and...

Subcutaneous fat accumulation complicating diabetes mellitus (DM) has long been recognised, even as its clinical significance remains controversial. Ultrasound is safe and accurate in assessing soft tissue dimensions. Reports on ultrasound evaluation of anterior abdominal wall subcutaneous fat in diabetic and apparently healthy normoglycaemic subjects are scanty in the Nigerian environment.

To sonographically assess and compare the mean anterior abdominal wall subcutaneous tissue thickness (AAST) in adult diabetic subjects and apparently healthy, normoglycaemic subjects and correlate the values with age, gender, body mass index (BMI), waist circumference (WC), waist to hip ratio (WHR) and glycated hemoglobin (Hb1c).

The AAST in 150 adult diabetic subjects and equal numbers of age, and sex matched apparently healthy individuals was assessed with a SONOACE X4 ultrasound scanner. (Medison Inc, SOUTH KOREA), using a l inear array transducer of frequency 7. 5MHz10MHz.Measurements were taken in the midline at two points; 2cm above and below the umbilicus. Anthropometric parameters such as BMI, WC, WHR, were recorded.

Adult diabetic subjects had significantly higher AAST values, compared to age and BMI matched male and female apparently healthy controls respectively. (2.7±0.9cm vs 2.2 ± 0.9cm (below the umbilicus; p=0.001), and 2.1 ± 0.8cm vs 1.6 ± 0.8cm (above the umbilicus; p = 0.001). Below the umbilicus, AAST correlated positively with WHR, BM1 and disease duration among diabetic patients.

AAST is significantly increased in diabetic subjects compared to controls, and can be a useful guide in the management of obesity in these patients. There is correlation of AAST below the umbilicus with BMI and waist circumference.