Visceral and Ectopic Abdominal Fat Effect on the Calcification of the Abdominal Aorta and Its Branches-An MSCT Study

Area of Science:

• Vascular Biology
• Medical Imaging
• Radiology

Background:

• Accumulation of visceral and ectopic fat may influence atherosclerotic calcification in abdominal arteries.
• The calcification patterns in the abdominal aorta and its branches require further investigation.

Purpose of the Study:

• To investigate the association between visceral and ectopic fat deposits and the calcification of the abdominal aorta and its major branches.
• To compare the calcification patterns among different abdominal arteries.

Main Methods:

• Retrospective analysis of abdominopelvic MSCT scans.
• Quantification of calcification volumes in the abdominal aorta, celiac trunk, superior mesenteric artery, inferior mesenteric artery, common iliac arteries, and external iliac arteries.
• Measurement of visceral fat volume and ectopic fat indicators (liver-to-spleen and pancreas-to-spleen ratios).

Main Results:

• Abdominal artery calcification was associated with visceral fat volume (strongest association) and liver-to-spleen ratio (weaker association).
• Pancreas-to-spleen ratio showed no significant association with artery calcification.
• The abdominal aorta, common iliac, and external iliac arteries exhibited higher calcification levels compared to the celiac trunk and mesenteric arteries.

Conclusions:

• Visceral fat exerts a more significant influence on abdominopelvic artery calcification than ectopic fat.
• Iliac arteries and the abdominal aorta are more prone to calcification than visceral aortic branches.