Correlation Between Epicardial Adipose Tissue and PET Cardiac Perfusion: A Systematic Review.

Area of Science:

• Cardiology
• Radiology
• Medical Imaging

Background:

• Growing evidence suggests a link between epicardial adipose tissue (EAT) and myocardial perfusion imaging (MPI).
• Positron emission tomography (PET) is a key imaging modality for assessing myocardial perfusion.

Purpose of the Study:

• To systematically review and synthesize existing literature on the association between EAT and PET-MPI.
• To evaluate the strength of evidence and identify limitations in current research.

Main Methods:

• A systematic search of PubMed/MEDLINE, Scopus, and Embase databases was conducted.
• Included original research articles evaluating EAT and PET MPI outcomes.
• Data were extracted and qualitatively analyzed.

Main Results:

• Ten studies were included, with most showing a significant association between increased EAT and impaired PET-MPI.
• EAT was often an independent predictor of abnormal PET-MPI, even after adjusting for risk factors.
• Methodological heterogeneity in EAT measurement and PET protocols was noted.

Conclusions:

• A potential association exists between increased EAT and impaired myocardial perfusion by PET.
• Methodological heterogeneity limits the generalizability of current findings.
• Standardized protocols and larger studies are required to validate the relationship and its clinical utility.