Abstract:
Introduction. The presence of the adipose tissue in the chest region might be linked to many
pathological conditions meanwhile it can be physiological in many cases. A comprehensive
assessment requires a morphological analysis in relation to the anatomical structures of the
mediastinum to better understanding of its clinical significance and potential implications.
Material and methods. Observation and morphometry of 22 mediastinal complexes from the
department's fund were performed. The results of 50 examinations, such as computer tomography,
magnetic resonance, angiography, performed before therapeutic treatment and the preoperative
period, as well as the operation protocols from the observation sheets, were subjected to the study.
The results were processed statistically. Our data were compared with bibliographic data obtained by
the same methods.
Results: Four cites of fat storage are distinguished: subcutaneous, visceral, special and ectopic cites.
There are extrapleural, mediastinal, epicardial, pericardial, and myocardial fat depots in the thoracic
cavity. Thoracic adiposity affects the lung function, with distinct gender differences.Visceral and
subcutaneous fats are associated with the reduced lung functions. Cardiopulmonary changes might be
due to pericardial, epicardial, periaortic, and extracardiac fat. Mediastinal fat-related lesions were
also observed, underscoring the importance of distinguishing chest fat from gynecomastia.
Additionally, thoracic fat accumulation showed a potential association with non-traumatic vertebral
fractures, suggesting broader systemic implications.
Conclusion: The visceral fat is more toxic than subcutaneous. Distribution of adipose tissue in the
chest region has impact on lung function, cardiopulmonary health, and musculoskeletal integrity. The
need for further research to explore clinical significance of thoracic adiposity that will contribute to
improve quality of clinical diagnosis, which will be helpful for therapeutic and preventive
interventions. and this research may open the gates for the new generation of imaging technique for
adipose tissue assessment.
