Does Epicardial Adipose Tissue Influence Postoperative Atrial Fibrillation?

Area of Science:

• Cardiology
• Cardiac Surgery
• Medical Imaging

Background:

• Epicardial adipose tissue (EAT) is linked to atrial fibrillation.
• Understanding EAT's role in postoperative atrial fibrillation (POAF) is crucial for cardiac surgery patients.

Purpose of the Study:

• To investigate the impact of epicardial adipose tissue (EAT) on the occurrence of postoperative atrial fibrillation (POAF) following cardiac surgery.
• To analyze the relationship between EAT distribution, particularly the left atrial EAT/Total EAT ratio, and POAF.

Main Methods:

• Seventy-seven patients undergoing cardiac surgery were assessed.
• Preoperative total EAT and left atrial (LA) EAT were measured using 3D CT.
• POAF occurrence within one week post-surgery was the primary endpoint.

Main Results:

• Postoperative atrial fibrillation (POAF) occurred in 27% of patients.
• Univariate analysis showed higher LA EAT/Total EAT ratio, age, and use of loop diuretics in the POAF group.
• Propensity score matching revealed loop diuretic use as the strongest predictor, with a high LA EAT/Total EAT ratio as the second strongest predictor of POAF.

Conclusions:

• Loop diuretic use is strongly associated with postoperative atrial fibrillation (POAF).
• A higher ratio of left atrial epicardial adipose tissue (LA EAT) to total EAT is significantly associated with POAF.