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

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. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Copyright of British Journal of Dermatology is the property of Oxford University Press / USA and its content may not be copied or emailed to multiple sites or posted to a listserv without the copyright holder's express written permission. However, users may print, download, or email articles for individual use. This abstract may be abridged. No warranty is given about the accuracy of the copy. Users should refer to the original published version of the material for the full abstract. (Copyright applies to all Abstracts.)