Human immunodeficiency virus atropy induces modification of subcutaneous adipose tissue architecture: in vivo visualization by high-resolution magnetic resonance imaging

• Published in: British journal of dermatology (1951) Vol. 160; no. 4; pp. 741 - 746
• Main Authors: Josse, G., Gensanne, D., Aquilina, C., Bernard, J., Saint-Martory, C., Lagarde, J.M., Schmitt, A.M.
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: Oxford, UK Blackwell Publishing Ltd 01.04.2009
• Subjects: Absorptiometry, Photon - methods; adipose tissue; AIDS; Body Mass Index; dual energy X-ray absorptiometry; HIV Infections - pathology; HIV-1; HIV-Associated Lipodystrophy Syndrome - pathology; HIV-Associated Lipodystrophy Syndrome - virology; Human immunodeficiency virus; Humans; lipodystrophy; magnetic resonance imaging; Magnetic Resonance Imaging - methods; Male; Risk Factors; Subcutaneous Fat - pathology; Subcutaneous Fat - virology
• ISSN: 0007-0963; 1365-2133
• DOI: 10.1111/j.1365-2133.2008.08973.x

Summary Background  Human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) infection generally induces lipodystrophy. For targeted treatment a better understanding of its development is necessary. The utility of high‐resolution magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) is explored. Objectives  The present study presents a way to visualize the adipose tissue architecture in vivo and to inspect modifications associated with the atrophy. Methods  High‐resolution MRI scans with surface coils were performed on the calf and at the lumbar region of three groups of patients: HIV patients with lipoatrophy, HIV patients without lipoatrophy and healthy volunteers. All patients underwent a clinical examination. In addition, dual energy X‐ray absorptiometry (DEXA) measurements were taken. On the MRI scans adipose tissue thickness and adipose nodule size were measured. Results  High‐resolution MRI enabled identification of a clear disorganization of adipose tissue in patients with lipoatrophy. In addition, these patients presented a very small adipose tissue thickness on the calf and a very small nodule size. Results led to the hypothesis that adipose tissue disorganization appears before changes in DEXA measurements or clinically visible modifications. Conclusions  High‐resolution MRI enabled visualization in vivo of precise changes in tissue organization due to HIV lipoatrophy. This imaging technique should be very informative for better monitoring of the atrophy.