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Evaluation of the Cognitive Performance of Hypertensive Patients with Silent Cerebrovascular Lesions
Published on: April 23, 2021
Visceral adiposity index is associated with silent brain infarct in a healthy population
Ki-Woong Nam1, Hyung-Min Kwon2, Han-Yeong Jeong1
1Departments of Neurology, Seoul National University College of Medicine and Seoul National University Hospital, Seoul, South Korea.
Insights
High visceral adiposity index (VAI) is linked to silent brain infarct (SBI) in healthy adults. This association was stronger in females, indicating VAI as a predictor of SBI prevalence and burden.
Area of Science:
- Neurology
- Cardiology
- Endocrinology
Background:
- The visceral adiposity index (VAI) is a marker of visceral fat dysfunction linked to cardiovascular and metabolic diseases.
- Cerebrovascular diseases, such as silent brain infarct (SBI), represent a significant health burden.
- Limited research exists on the association between VAI and cerebrovascular diseases, particularly SBI.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the relationship between VAI and the presence of SBI in a cohort of neurologically healthy adults.
- To determine if VAI is an independent predictor of SBI.
- To explore potential sex differences in the VAI-SBI association and the relationship between VAI and SBI burden.
Main Methods:
- A cross-sectional study evaluated 2596 healthy volunteers aged over 40 between 2006 and 2013.
- Silent brain infarct (SBI) was identified using neuroimaging criteria (asymptomatic lesions ≥3 mm).
- Visceral adiposity index (VAI) was calculated using established sex-specific equations. Multivariable logistic regression and trend analysis were employed.
Main Results:
- Silent brain infarct (SBI) was detected in 8% (218/2596) of the participants.
- Higher VAI was a significant independent predictor of SBI (aOR=1.30, P=0.030) after adjusting for confounders.
- The association between VAI and SBI was more pronounced in females (aOR=1.44, P=0.048), and VAI demonstrated a positive dose-response relationship with the number of SBI lesions (P for trend=0.037).
Conclusions:
- Visceral adiposity index (VAI) is associated with a higher prevalence and burden of silent brain infarct (SBI) in a neurologically healthy population.
- VAI serves as a significant predictor for SBI, particularly in females.
- These findings highlight the importance of assessing visceral adiposity as a potential risk factor for cerebrovascular damage.
Abstract:
Visceral adiposity index (VAI) has been associated with various cardio-metabolic diseases; however, there is limited information about its association with cerebrovascular diseases. In this study, we evaluated the relationship between VAI and silent brain infarct (SBI). We evaluated a consecutive series of healthy volunteers over the age of 40 between January 2006 and December 2013. SBI was defined as an asymptomatic, well-defined lesion with a diameter ≥ 3 mm with the same signal characteristics as the cerebrospinal fluid. VAI was calculated using sex-specific equations as described in previous studies. A total of 2596 subjects were evaluated, and SBI was found in 218 (8%) participants. In multivariable analysis, VAI (adjusted odds ratio [aOR] = 1.30; 95% confidence interval [CI] 1.03-1.66; P = 0.030) remained a significant predictor of SBI after adjustment for confounders. The close relationship between VAI and SBI was prominent only in females (aOR = 1.44; 95% CI 1.00-2.07; P = 0.048). In the evaluation between VAI and the burden of SBI, VAI showed a positive dose-response relationship with the number of SBI lesions (P for trend = 0.037). High VAI was associated with a higher prevalence and burden of SBI in a neurologically healthy population.
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