CT contrast agent for detection of cachexia

A method of diagnosing cachexia or precachexia in a subject, the method comprising the steps of:

• a) orally administering a peroral contrast agent to the subject, the peroral contrast agent comprising a biocompatible formulation of an iodinated fatty acid, ester, or combinations thereof with 16 to 18 carbon atoms having the following formula I:
• wherein:
• n=14-16;
• R1 is, at each occurrence, independently H or I, provided that when a number of iodine atoms is 1 to 6, the iodine atoms are not geminal or vicinal;
• and
• R2 is H, unsaturated alkyls, saturated alkyls, linear alkyls, branched alkyls, alkoxyalkyl, hydroxyalkoxyalkyl, polyhydroxyalkyl, or hydroxy poly alkyleneoxyalkyl;
• b) obtaining an in vivo image of brown and/or beige adipose tissue (BAT) in the subject with Computed Tomography (CT);
• and
• c) comparing the obtained in vivo image to a CT scan of a normal subject, wherein a diagnosis of cachexia or precachexia is performed by:
• i) establishing positive or increased enhancement of BAT and/or beige adipose tissue;
• or
• ii) detecting a white adipose tissue (WAT) browning and/or BAT activity in the subject.