Comparing intramuscular adipose tissue on T1-weighted and two-point Dixon images

PURPOSE: The purpose of this study was to compare intramuscular adipose tissue content determined by two-point Dixon imaging and T1-weighted imaging, calculated using thresholding techniques. METHODS: In total, 19 nonobese younger adults (26.2 ± 4.9 years) and 13 older adults (72.2 ± 6.0 years) were recruited. Axial images of the mid-thigh were taken using T1-weighted and two-point Dixon sequences with a 3.0 T whole-body magnetic resonance device and used to measure intramuscular adipose tissue content of the vastus lateralis, adductor magnus, and long head of the biceps femoris. RESULTS: There was no significant difference in intramuscular adipose tissue content between T1-weighted and two-point Dixon imaging for the vastus lateralis (11.0 ± 4.4% and 12.2 ± 2.4%); however, intramuscular adipose tissue content determined by T1-weighted imaging was significantly higher than that of two-point Dixon imaging for the other muscles. Bland-Altman analysis showed a proportional bias for intramuscular adipose tissue calculations in all three muscles. CONCLUSION: The validity of intramuscular adipose tissue content measurements between T1-weighted and two-point Dixon imaging is muscle-specific. This study showed discrepancies of intramuscular adipose tissue content between T1-weighted and two-point Dixon imaging. ADVANCES IN KNOWLEDGE: This study’s results suggest that care should be taken when selecting an imaging modality for intramuscular adipose tissue, especially for patients who would be suspected to have higher intramuscular adipose tissue values.