Echocardiographic Assessment of Epicardial Adipose Tissue Thickness as Independent Predictor in Coronary Artery Disease

• Published in: Canadian journal of physiology and pharmacology
• Main Authors: Braescu, Laurentiu, Sturza, Adrian, Sosdean, Raluca, Aburel, Oana M, Lazar, Mihai Andrei, Muntean, Danina M, Luca, Constantin Tudor, Brie, Daniel Miron, Feier, Horea, Crisan, Simina, Mornos, Cristian
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: Canada 01.11.2024
• ISSN: 1205-7541
• DOI: 10.1139/cjpp-2024-0188

This study aimed to assess the utility of echocardiography-measured EAT tickness (EATT) as an independent predictor for CAD, examining its correlation with oxidative stress levels in epicardial tissue and the complexity of the disease in patients undergoing open-heart surgery. This study included a total of 25 patients referred for cardiac surgery with 14 in the CAD group and 11 in the non-CAD group. Epicardial fat was sampled from patients subjected to open-heart surgery. EATT was higher in the CAD group compared to the non-CAD group (8.15±2.09 mm vs. 5.12±1.8 mm, p=0.001). The epicardial ROS level was higher in the CAD group compared to the non-CAD group (21.4±2.47 nmol H2O2/g tisssue/h vs. 15.7±1.55 nmol H2O2/g tisssue/h, p<0.001). EATT greater than 6.05 mm was associated with CAD, with a sensitivity of 86% and specificity of 73%. Echocardiographically measured EATT is a significant, independent predictor of CAD. Its relationship with increased EAT oxidative stress levels suggests a potential mechanistic link between EATT and CAD pathogenesis. These findings highlight the importance of EATT as a diagnostic tool in assessing the complexity of CAD in patients undergoing cardiac surgery.