Gender Difference on Magnetic Resonance Imaging Texture Analysis of Human Adipose Tissue
Résumé
Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) texture differences in adipose tissue between men and women could open the door for noninvasive investigations of fat structure in both genders relative to the well-known lower cardiovascular risk in women. Sixty-six subjects (33 women and 33 men) without adipose tissue pathology or obesity problems were selected. To test the robustness of the method, three different MRI acquisition series (S1, S2, S3) were realized. Two different texture analysis software and two classifiers were used. The regions of interest were selected in thigh subcutaneous adipose tissue for two groups (S1 and S2) and in the facial subcutaneous adipose tissue for the third group (S3). Texture analysis statistical methods were applied on the selected regions of interest, and calculated texture parameters were automatically classified. A significant discrimination in MRI texture parameters between men and women appeared in all of three series (sensitivity 94%, specificity 91%). Adipose tissue MRI texture in women is different from that in men. The histologic explanation for this difference needs further investigation. Considering its potential interest, the observed difference in MRI fat texture could be a new relevant parameter for in vivo studies related to nutritional problems and cardiovascular risk.