Multispiral computed tomography in assessment of visceral adipose tissue content dynamics in overweight patient with asthma

Abstract

Asthma phenotype with obesity has been actively studied over the last years. Among hypotheses of possible relationship between asthma and obesity there is the systemic inflammation theory, its point consists in an increased amount of the hormonally active visceral adipose tissue (VAT) in the body. Produced in it adipokines are passing through lung vessels and then bronchial tree promoting inflammation in the airways. Wherein the content of VAT in the body may be increased even in overweight patients or within normal weight. Taking this into account the clinical case of an overweight patient with asthma is presented. Besides routine examination and anthropometry, a multispiral computed tomography (MSCT) was conducted to assess the VAT content in her body. The follow-up period was 12 months, asthma severity and control and anthropometric characteristics were evaluated every three months, at the end of the year a MSCT was repeated. Despite the absence of significant changes with repeated MSCT, a decrease in the area of the hormonally active visceral fat was revealed. Along with it achievement and maintenance of complete asthma control, positive dynamics of laboratory parameters were registered, which apparently to a certain extent, was associated with a decrease in the VAT content in the body.