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Quantitative Computed Tomography (QCT)
QCT is a powerful method for assessment of body composition and bone mineral density (BMD).
Body composition
Using a single slice of the abdomen obtained at L4, a variety of adipose tissue compartments can be measured using dedicated software. Standard measurements include:
- Intra-abdominal (visceral) fat area
- Subcutaneous fat area
- Total adipose tissue area
- Total cross-sectional area
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| Single slice of abdomen obtained at L4, showing tracings for total abdominal area (red), abdominal subcutaneous fat area (tissue between red and yellow), and visceral fat (green). |
Single slice imaging of the left thigh can be performed for assessment of:
- Thigh subcutaneous fat area
- Area of muscle compartments
- Attenuation of muscle compartments
- Total cross-sectional area
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| Single slice of left mid-thigh, showing tracing for total thigh area (red), thigh subcutaneous fat area (tissue between red and yellow/green). Tracings for anterior (yellow) and posterior (green) muscle compartments are also shown. |
Bone Mineral Density
QCT is widely employed for determination of bone mineral density (BMD) of the lumbar spine. This methodology bypasses certain limitations of DEXA planar acquisitions, and allows reliable estimates of BMD. We obtain CT slices at 4 lumbar levels and measure vertebral body density calibrated by a standard phantom.
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| CT slice showing measurement of attenuation values of vertebral body and standardized K2PO4 phantom for BMD determination. |
We can modify or develop QCT protocols and measurement methodology in order to address your specific clinical endpoint. Please contact us for further information.
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