Evaluation of ultrasonographic approaches aimed at determining distinct abdominal adipose tissue depots

To analyze different anatomical sites in the abdominal region, in order to determine the positional parameter that identifies a higher level of visceral adipose tissue (VAT) and confers a greater cardiometabolic risk.

This is a methodological study in which VAT was evaluated by ultrasonography (USG) in three anatomical sites in the abdomen, while the abdominal circumference (AC) was measured using seven different protocols. Additionally, the glycemic and lipid profile, C-reactive protein, and the presence of systemic arterial hypertension were evaluated.

One hundred and six individuals with an average age of 42 (36.8-46.2) years were included. The evaluation of the calibration of the ultrasound procedure for the analysis of VAT by intra- and inter-evaluators showed high reproducibility. The pattern of abdominal fat distribution differed between sexes, with higher mean VAT in males (p < 0.05) and higher mean SAT (subcutaneous adipose tissue) in females (p < 0.005). In the abdominal scan applied to women, higher levels of VAT and lower levels of SAT were observed in the narrower waist region, between the iliac crest and the last rib (p < 0.001). In males, the profile of adipose disposition along the abdomen was uniform (p > 0.05). Correlations between VAT measured by USG and cardiometabolic parameters were relatively stronger in the upper abdomen (p < 0.05).

Women accumulate more VAT in the narrower waist region, while men accumulate VAT uniformly across the abdomen. There was relative superiority in predicting cardiometabolic risk in the upper abdomen for both sexes.