MRI Study of the Thoracic Canal Fat in Normal Adults / 实用放射学杂志

ABSTRACT

Objective To evaluate the clinical value of the distribution characters and thickness of fat in thoracic canal in normal adults,and to assess the relational factors of the fat thickness.Methods The distribution characters of the thoracic canal fat in 268 normal adults were studied in mid-sagittal plane on MR T_1WI.The thickness of epidural fat and the canal diameter were measured and analyzed.Results Thoracic canal fat on mid-sagittal plane was only found in posterior epidural space,mainly appearing as segmental distribution. Continuous barred or spindle shape of the fat was also seen in some cases.The thickness of fat varied at different thoracic levels.There was no statistic significance between men and women or every age group about the fat thickness.Positive linear correlation occurred between spinal canal diameter or obesity index and the fat thickness.Conclusion The distribution characters and thickness of the thoracic epidural fat can be used as references in diagnosing some spinal canal diseases.