MR of Multi-Organ Involvement in the Metabolic Syndrome

• Published in: Magnetic resonance imaging clinics of North America Vol. 23; no. 1; pp. 41 - 58
• Main Authors: Bizino, Maurice B., MD, Sala, Michael L., MD, de Heer, Paul, MSc, van der Tol, Pieternel, MSc, Smit, Jan W.A., MD, PhD, Webb, Andrew G., PhD, de Roos, Albert, MD, PhD, Lamb, Hildebrandus J., MD, PhD
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: United States Elsevier Inc 01-02-2015
• Subjects: Diabetic cardiomyopathy; Ectopic lipid accumulation; Fat imaging; Humans; Magnetic resonance imaging; Magnetic Resonance Imaging - methods; Magnetic resonance spectroscopy; Metabolic syndrome; Metabolic Syndrome - diagnosis; Microstructural brain damage; Multiple Organ Failure - diagnosis; Nonalcoholic fatty liver disease; Radiology; Viscera - pathology; Whole Body Imaging - methods; Magnetic resonance spectroscopy; Magnetic resonance imaging; Ectopic lipid accumulation; Microstructural brain damage; Diabetic cardiomyopathy; Nonalcoholic fatty liver disease; Fat imaging; Metabolic syndrome
• ISSN: 1064-9689; 1557-9786
• DOI: 10.1016/j.mric.2014.09.010

The metabolic syndrome (MetS) is characterized by ectopic lipid accumulation. Magnetic resonance (MR) imaging and spectroscopy can quantify ectopic lipid accumulation. Consequences of MetS can be evaluated with MR on a whole-body level. In the liver, several techniques are used to quantify hepatic steatosis and differentiate stages of nonalcoholic fatty liver disease. Cardiac MR can quantify myocardial steatosis and associated complications. In the brain, magnetization transfer imaging and diffusion tensor imaging can detect microstructural brain damage. Various other organs can be assessed with MR. MR is a powerful tool to unravel whole-body MetS pathophysiology, monitor therapeutic efficacy, and establish prognosis.