Ultrasound‐based measurement of central adiposity: Key considerations and guidelines

• Published in: Obesity reviews Vol. 25; no. 5; pp. e13716 - n/a
• Main Authors: Zieff, Gabriel, Cornwall, Jon, Blue, Malia N., Smith‐Ryan, Abbie E., Stoner, Lee
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: England Wiley Subscription Services, Inc 01.05.2024
• Subjects: Adipose tissue; cardiovascular disease risk; central adiposity; Computed tomography; Guidelines; Health risks; Image acquisition; Image analysis; Image processing; Magnetic resonance; Medical imaging; non‐invasive; obesity; Risk factors; standardization; Tomography; Transducers; Ultrasonic imaging; Ultrasonic methods; Ultrasonic testing; Ultrasound; cardiovascular disease risk; guidelines; standardization; central adiposity; non‐invasive; obesity; ultrasound
• ISSN: 1467-7881; 1467-789X
• DOI: 10.1111/obr.13716

Summary Central adiposity, which is visceral and subcutaneous adiposity in the abdominal region, is a known risk factor for developing chronic cardiometabolic diseases. Central adiposity can be measured relatively inexpensively using ultrasound. Ultrasound has been shown to be precise and reliable, with measurement accuracy comparable to computed tomography and magnetic resonance. Despite the advantages conferred by ultrasound, widespread adoption has been hindered by lack of reliable standard operating procedures. To consolidate the literature and bring clarity to the use of ultrasound‐derived measures of central adiposity, this review outlines (i) the [patho]physiological importance of central adiposity to cardiometabolic disease risk; (ii) an overview of the history and main technical aspects of ultrasound methodology; (iii) key measurement considerations, including transducer selection, subject preparation, image acquisition, image analysis, and operator training; and (iv) guidelines for standardized ultrasound protocols for measuring central adiposity.