ectopic fat deposition
Abnormal accumulation of fat in organs not designed for fat storage, such as liver, muscle, and heart.
Full Definition
Ectopic fat deposition refers to the pathological accumulation of lipids in tissues that are not primarily designed for fat storage, including skeletal muscle, liver, pancreas, and myocardium. This occurs when subcutaneous adipose tissue reaches its storage capacity or becomes dysfunctional, forcing excess lipids to be stored elsewhere. Ectopic fat is strongly associated with insulin resistance, metabolic dysfunction, and cardiovascular disease risk. Different depot-specific ectopic fat accumulations have distinct clinical implications: hepatic steatosis affects glucose metabolism, myocardial fat impairs cardiac function, and intramuscular fat reduces insulin sensitivity. Measuring ectopic fat has become an important research and clinical tool in cardiometabolic medicine.
Usage
Usage note: Distinguish from visceral fat, which is anatomically normal fat in abnormal quantities
In Context
- "Ectopic fat deposition in skeletal muscle correlates with insulin resistance severity." — Clinical study report
- "MRI revealed significant ectopic fat deposition in the patient's myocardium." — Imaging report