Quantification of epicardial fat by computed tomography: why, when and how?

Area of Science:

• Cardiology
• Radiology
• Medical Imaging

Background:

• Growing interest in the relationship between epicardial fat and cardiovascular disease.
• Epicardial adipose tissue (EAT) quantification is achievable through various imaging modalities.

Purpose of the Study:

• To explore the association between epicardial fat volume and cardiovascular disease.
• To highlight the utility of computed tomography in quantifying epicardial fat.

Main Methods:

• Utilizing computed tomography (CT) for high-resolution quantification of epicardial adipose tissue volume.
• Reviewing accumulated evidence on the link between EAT volume and cardiac conditions.

Main Results:

• Epicardial fat volume is significantly associated with coronary atherosclerosis, adverse cardiovascular outcomes, and non-atherosclerotic heart disease like atrial fibrillation.
• This association remains significant even after adjusting for traditional cardiovascular risk factors (weight, BMI).

Conclusions:

• Epicardial fat volume is a relevant marker for cardiovascular disease risk.
• Further research is warranted to elucidate the mechanisms and clinical utility of EAT quantification in risk stratification.