Role of MDCT in evaluation of epicardial fat volume as an independent risk factor for coronary atherosclerosis

Objective

The aim of this study was to clarify the association between epicardial fat volume and coronary atherosclerosis.

Materials and methods

A total of 90 patients with clinically suspected coronary artery disease underwent MDCT coronary angiography. The images were interpreted for Calcium score, quantification of epicardial adipose tissue (EAT) volume, and coronary artery disease (CAD) which was classified according to the number of affected vessels, location, extension, component of the lesion and degree of obstruction. EAT was correlated to CAD and Calcium score using 125?cm³ as a cutoff value for acceptable EAT volume.

Results

The patients were classified into 3 groups: patients with 1-normal CCTA, 2-non-significant CAD and 3-significant CAD. A high statistical significant difference was found among the 3 groups regarding mean coronary calcium score (P value?=?0.00) and mean EAT volume; Group 1 (125.14?±?56.88?cm³), in group 2 (217.38?±?56.88?cm³) and the largest EAT volume was seen in group 3 (327.94?±?90.17?cm³), (P value: 0.00).

Conclusion

The estimation of EAT volume could be considered as a screening test for any patients suspicious for CAD.