Cardiovascular Disease from Pathophysiology to Risk Estimation: Is Inflammation Estimated through Perivascular...

Area of Science:

• Cardiovascular Imaging
• Inflammation Research
• Medical Diagnostics

Background:

• Systemic inflammation is a known risk factor for ischemic cardiovascular disease and atrial fibrillation.
• Localized vascular inflammation plays a key role in coronary atherosclerotic disease development and progression.
• Perivascular adipose tissue (PVAT) is increasingly recognized for its role in vascular health.

Purpose of the Study:

• To review evidence on using computed tomography (CT) based perivascular adipose tissue (PVAT) attenuation measurement.
• To explore the utility of PVAT attenuation in assessing localized vascular inflammation.
• To highlight the diagnostic potential of PVAT attenuation in various cardiovascular conditions.

Main Methods:

• Comprehensive review of recent scientific literature.
• Focus on computed tomography (CT) derived perivascular adipose tissue (PVAT) attenuation measurements.
• Analysis of PVAT attenuation at key anatomical sites: internal carotid artery, aorta, left atrium, and coronary arteries.

Main Results:

• Perivascular adipose tissue (PVAT) attenuation measurement is a non-invasive method to estimate localized perivascular inflammation.
• This measurement, quantified in Hounsfield units, reflects inflammatory responses in adipose tissue near vessels.
• Evidence supports its application in coronary arteries, aorta, carotid arteries, and atria.

Conclusions:

• Perivascular adipose tissue (PVAT) attenuation measurement is a valuable, indirect biomarker for localized vascular inflammation.
• It shows potential in assessing coronary microvascular dysfunction and inflammatory states in atrial fibrillation patients.
• The broad applicability of PVAT attenuation measurement enhances cardiovascular disease understanding and management.