Luke Arentsen PhD, ARRT, Presenter: Nothing to Disclose

Masashi Yagi, Abstract Co-Author: Nothing to Disclose

Yutaka Takahashi PhD, Abstract Co-Author: Nothing to Disclose

Patrick J. Bolan PhD, Abstract Co-Author: Research Consultant, Breast-Med, Inc

Susanta K. Hui PhD, Abstract Co-Author: Nothing to Disclose

Due to a heterogeneous distribution of bone mineral density and marrow composition throughout the body, invasive biopsies of the iliac crest do not truly represent the complete physiological status. Therefore, we aim to provide verification for an in vivo imaging technique using co-registered histologic examinations for assessment of marrow adiposity.

The abdomen of 3 recently expired (i.e. < 24 hours) human cadavers were scanned with a dual source CT (DECT) scanner. These donors were also imaged to get marrow fat (MF) measurements using Water Fat MRI (WFMRI). The three lumbar spines were then excised and the superior and inferior aspects of 13 vertebrae were removed. The remaining center section was processed for histological examination to find the ratio of adipocyte volume to total volume.

Marrow fat estimation using DECT and WFMRI had a high correlation (r = 0.948). Adiposity measured by histology of the 13 vertebral sections ranged from 17.8% to 74.8% with a Mean (SD) of 35.9% (18.3%). Marrow adiposity as assessed by histology had a reliability of r > 0.987. Correlation between the adiposity ratio was slightly higher for DECT-derived MF than when compared to WFMRI (r = 0.802 and 0.772, respectively).

The adipocyte ratio can be an accurate means of assessing the marrow fat concentration in cancellous bone. A high variation of the adipocyte ratio was seen among the 3 individuals imaged. Both DECT and WFMRI have a good correlation with the adipocyte ratio and can be used to estimate the concentration of MF.

The ability to quickly and non-invasively monitor marrow fat expansion may help provide a more skeletal-wide assessment of bone health and identify areas of concern, especially in the cancer survivor.

Arentsen, L, Yagi, M, Takahashi, Y, Bolan, P, Hui, S, A Pioneer Method to Validate Non-invasive Multimodality Assessment of Marrow Fat Using Human Bone Samples.  Radiological Society of North America 2014 Scientific Assembly and Annual Meeting, - ,Chicago IL. http://archive.rsna.org/2014/14018135.html