Relationship Between Epicardial Fat Measured by Multidetector Computed Tomography and Coronary Artery Disease assessed by CT angiography

Abstract

Background:Epicardial fat (EF) is the visceral fat of the heart deposited under the visceral layer of the pericardium and has the same origin as abdominal visceral fat which is shown to be strongly related to the development of coronary artery disease (CAD). This study aimed to assess the relationship between epicardial fat measured by Multidetector Computed Tomography, coronary calcium score and coronary artery disease.Methods:The current study included 73 Patients with suspected coronary artery disease (Low-intermediate probability). The patients were divided into 3 groups: Group 1 (n=21): no atherosclerosis. Group 2 (n=26): no obstructive atherosclerosis (luminal narrowing less than50% in diameter). (26 patients). Group 3(n=26): obstructive atherosclerosis (luminal narrowing equal to or more than 50%). Results: EAT and PCFT showed statistical significance positive correlation with each other (p < 0.001). EAT and Ca score showed statistical significance positive correlation with each other (p0.003). PCFT and Ca score showed statistical significance positive correlation with each other (p < 0.001). Conclusion:There is a positive correlation between both epicardial fat and pericoronary fat thickness and the presence of obstructive coronary stenosis. Epicardial fat and pericoronary fat thickness can be used in predicting the severity of coronary artery disease.