Association of epicardial adipose tissue with coronary calcium score and coronary artery stenosis severity in patients suspected of coronary artery disease.

BACKGROUND

The primary aim of the study was to assess the relationship between epicardial adipose tissue (EAT) volume and Coronary Calcium Score (CCS), in addition to coronary artery stenosis severity and carotid intima-media thickness (CIMT).

METHODS

This single-center retrospective study included patients suspected of ischemic heart disease. All patients underwent computerized tomography coronary angiogram by which their EAT volume, CCS, and coronary stenosis degree were measured. Carotid Doppler ultrasound was used to determine CIMT. Most recent laboratory values, including inflammation markers and lipid profiles, were collected from the hospital database. CCS was calculated by using the Agatston method.

RESULTS

A total of 109 patients were included in the study. The mean age was 51.7±9.7 years, and 38.5% were female. EAT volume, but not CCS, was significantly greater in patients with diabetes mellitus than patients without. CCS was significantly higher in the high EAT volume tertile than in low and moderate EAT volume tertiles. The number of patients with CCS>100 and >400 were significantly more common in high EAT volume tertile compared to other tertiles. EAT volume was significantly increased as the severity of the coronary stenosis increased. EAT volume emerged as an independent associate of CCS in addition to age and sex. CIMT was significantly correlated both with EAT volume and CCS.

CONCLUSIONS

EAT volume appeared as a significant and independent associate of CCS. Moreover, both EAT volume and CCS increased as the severity of the atherosclerosis increased.