Techniques for estimation of an individuals height, weight, body mass index (BMI), and body surface area (BSA) witH a single abdominal computed tomographic (CT) image were developed. Eighty-seven abdominal CT examinations performed in adult humans were analyzed. Anatomic structures were outlined on the CT section that included LI. Multiple linear regression analysis was used to derive sex-specific predictive equations. Correlation for height was good (r > 0.65). Relationship between predicted weight and actual weight was good (r > 0.93). For BMI and BSA, r was greater than 0.893 and greater than 0.895, respectively. In this study, predictive equations for height, weight, BMI, and BSA were generated.
The technology for image acquisition in computed tomography (CT) continues to improve, and as a result, use of CT is increasing. The large image data sets hold enormous potential for computer-automated extraction of information relevant to the radiologists interpretation and diagnosis. In recognition of this potential, many researchers are working on the development of algorithms to locate organs in situ, to detect their boundaries, and to calculate their volumes (1-4).
Organ volume is an important diagnostic criterion because a change in volume is often associated with abnormality (5-8). The use of CT to measure various organ sizes has been shown to be accurate (6,8-10). However, organ volumes must be related to an individuals age, sex, and body habitus for a more precise interpretation of abnormality (8,11-14). In CT data sets, age and sex are usually included in the Digital Imaging and Communications in Medicine header information. Though the Digital Imaging and Communications in Medicine standard allows entry of a patients physical characteristics, such as height and weight, this is not typically done, and these measures must be determined subjectively as the radiologist views the images.
In this study, our purpose was to develop techniques for estimation of an individuals height, weight, body mass index (BMI), and body surface area (BSA) with a single abdominal CT image.