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Exploring the Relationship between Epicardial Fat Thickness and Coronary Revascularization: Implications for
Antonino Davide Romano1, Antonella La Marca1, Rosanna Villani1
1Internal Medicine and Liver Unit, Department of Medical and Surgical Sciences, University of Foggia, Policlinico Riuniti 71122 Foggia, Italy.
Insights
Increased epicardial fat thickness (EAT) correlates with coronary artery disease (CAD) severity. Echocardiography-measured EAT decreases after angioplasty, aiding cardiovascular risk stratification.
Area of Science:
- Cardiology
- Medical Imaging
- Diagnostic Tools
Background:
- Epicardial adipose tissue (EAT) thickness is linked to cardiovascular disease.
- The relationship between EAT and coronary artery disease (CAD) severity requires further investigation.
- Understanding EAT depot changes after revascularization is crucial for patient management.
Purpose of the Study:
- To assess the correlation between EAT thickness and CAD severity.
- To determine if higher EAT thickness is associated with coronary revascularization.
- To evaluate changes in EAT depots three years post-angioplasty.
Main Methods:
- Prospective and retrospective observational study of 150 patients with acute coronary syndrome.
- Coronary angiography to assess CAD severity and guide percutaneous transluminal coronary angioplasty (PTCA).
- Transthoracic echocardiography to measure EAT thickness at baseline and 3-year follow-up.
Main Results:
- A positive correlation was found between EAT thickness and CAD severity.
- Patients undergoing PTCA exhibited reduced EAT thickness at the 3-year follow-up.
- Echocardiography proved reliable for EAT assessment and cardiovascular risk stratification.
Conclusions:
- EAT thickness is a significant predictor of CAD severity.
- A cut-off value of 0.65 cm for EAT thickness can aid in cardiovascular risk diagnosis.
- Integrating EAT measurements into clinical practice can enhance risk stratification and treatment personalization.
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.
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