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. 2023 Dec 31;13(1):247.
doi: 10.3390/jcm13010247.

Exploring the Relationship between Epicardial Fat Thickness and Coronary Revascularization: Implications for Cardiovascular Health

Antonino Davide Romano  1 , Antonella La Marca  1 , Rosanna Villani  1 , Moris Sangineto  1 , Vincenzo Manuppelli  2 , Natale Daniele Brunetti  2 , Gianluigi Vendemiale  1 , Gaetano Serviddio  1
Affiliations

Exploring the Relationship between Epicardial Fat Thickness and Coronary Revascularization: Implications for Cardiovascular Health

Antonino Davide Romano et al. J Clin Med. .

Abstract

Background: this study aimed to assess the complex relationship between EAT thickness, as measured with echocardiography, and the severity of coronary artery disease (CAD). We investigated whether individuals with higher EAT thickness underwent coronary revascularization. Subsequently, we conducted a three-year follow-up to explore any potential modifications in EAT depots post-angioplasty.

Methods: we conducted a prospective and retrospective cross-sectional observational study involving 150 patients consecutively referred for acute coronary syndrome, including ST-elevation myocardial infarction (STEMI), non-ST elevation myocardial infarction (NSTEMI), and unstable angina. Upon admission (T0), all patients underwent coronary angiography to assess the number of pathologic coronary vessels. Percutaneous transluminal coronary angioplasty (PTCA) was performed based on angiogram results if indicated. The sample was categorized into two groups: non-revascularized (no-PTCA) and revascularized (PTCA). Transthoracic echocardiograms to measure epicardial fat thickness were conducted at admission (T0) and after a 3-year follow-up (T1).

Results and conclusions: findings revealed a positive correlation between EAT thickness and the severity of coronary artery disease (CAD), with patients undergoing PTCA showing decreased EAT thickness after three years. Echocardiography demonstrated reliability in assessing EAT, offering potential for risk stratification. The study introduces a cut-off value of 0.65 cm as a diagnostic tool for cardiovascular risk. Incorporating EAT measurements into clinical practice may lead to more precise risk stratification and tailored treatment strategies, ultimately reducing the burden of cardiovascular disease.

Keywords: Coronary Artery Disease; EAT; PTCA; echocardiography; epicardial fat.

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Conflict of interest statement

The authors declare no conflicts of interest.

Figures

Figure 1
Figure 1
Epicardial fat tissue thickness in the general refence population at enrollment and after three years.
Figure 2
Figure 2
Epicardial fat tissue thickness in patients, categorized by percutaneous transluminal coronary angioplasty (PTCA) at enrollment and after three years, illustrating the dynamic changes in epicardial fat thickness over the specified time period.
Figure 3
Figure 3
The image illustrates a correlation between epicardial fat thickness and the extent of coronary artery disease at enrollment.
Figure 4
Figure 4
Receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve depicting the predictive ability of cardiovascular risk based on epicardial fat tissue thickness.
See this image and copyright information in PMC

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