Hounsfield Unit dynamics of adipose tissue and non-adipose soft tissues in growing pigs

• Published in: Research in veterinary science Vol. 84; no. 2; pp. 300 - 304
• Main Authors: McEvoy, Fintan J., Madsen, Mads T., Strathe, Anders B., Svalastoga, Eiliv
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: England Elsevier India Pvt Ltd 01.04.2008; Elsevier Limited
• Subjects: Abdomen - anatomy & histology; Abdomen - diagnostic imaging; adipocytes; Adipose tissue; Adipose Tissue - anatomy & histology; Adipose Tissue - diagnostic imaging; animal growth; Animals; Body Composition; Body fat; body fat distribution; Body Weight; Bone and Bones; computed tomography; histology; Hounsfield Unit; image analysis; measurement; Medical imaging; morphogenesis; normal values; piglets; Pigs; Proteins; Radionuclide Imaging; reference standards; Swine - anatomy & histology; Swine - growth & development; temporal variation; Tomography; Veterinary medicine; Pigs; Hounsfield Unit; Adipose tissue
• ISSN: 0034-5288; 1532-2661
• DOI: 10.1016/j.rvsc.2007.05.005

Changes in the Hounsfield Unit value of adipose tissue and of non-adipose soft tissue during growth are poorly documented. This study examines the HU of these tissues in growing pigs. Computer tomography scans were made in nine growing pigs on three occasions, approximately four weeks apart. Average body weight was 51, 94, and 121 kg for each successive scan. Images from the level of the diaphragm to the hips were analyzed. The mean HU and its standard deviation, for adipose tissue and for non-adipose soft tissues was determined for each pig. The mean adipose tissue HU for all pigs was −90, −98 and −101 on the first, middle and last scans, respectively. Corresponding HU values for non-adipose soft tissues were, 52, 51 and 49. There was a significant difference ( p < 0.01) between HU at each scan time for each set of tissues.