Can EAT be an INOCA goalkeeper

Area of Science:

• Cardiology
• Medical Imaging
• Vascular Biology

Background:

• Ischemia with non-obstructive coronary artery (INOCA) is a significant clinical challenge, often leading to misdiagnosis and inadequate patient care.
• Patients with INOCA face elevated risks of adverse cerebrovascular disease (CVD) outcomes, highlighting a critical gap in cardiovascular disease management.
• Epicardial adipose tissue (EAT) is recognized for its association with coronary artery disease (CAD) severity, but its role in identifying INOCA remains unclear.

Purpose of the Study:

• To review the epidemiology and associated factors of INOCA.
• To investigate the potential of epicardial adipose tissue (EAT) as a specific and sensitive indicator for INOCA.
• To elucidate the relationship between EAT and INOCA.

Main Methods:

• Literature review of epidemiological studies on INOCA.
• Analysis of research correlating epicardial adipose tissue (EAT) with coronary artery disease (CAD).
• Synthesis of evidence examining EAT as a biomarker for INOCA.

Main Results:

• INOCA affects a notable patient population, often underserved by current diagnostic and treatment paradigms.
• Emerging evidence suggests a correlation between EAT and CAD, but its specificity and sensitivity for INOCA require further validation.
• Understanding the link between EAT and INOCA could refine diagnostic strategies and patient risk stratification.

Conclusions:

• INOCA represents a critical area in cardiovascular medicine requiring focused research and improved clinical attention.
• Epicardial adipose tissue (EAT) shows promise as a potential imaging biomarker for INOCA, warranting further investigation.
• Clarifying the role of EAT in INOCA could lead to earlier detection and more targeted management, potentially reducing CVD risks.