Donatas Austys, Eglė Bulotaitė, Nomeda Rima Valevičienė, Rimantas Stukas

Abstract

Background. Previous studies have revealed that a large accumulation of visceral adipose tissue, including epicardial 47 adipose tissue (EAT), increases the risk of cardiovascular disease. However, contradictory results are presented: several studies have demonstrated a significant relationship between coronary artery disease and EAT accumulation, while some studies have failed to observe a significant association. The accumulation of EAT has not previously been studied in Lithuanian population. Objective. The aim of this study is to compare EAT maximum thicknesses and EAT volumes between people who have suffered from myocardial infarction and those who do not complain of cardiovascular diseases (previously or present). Object and methods. The study included 25 to 85 years old patients undergoing cardiovascular magnetic resonance imaging (MRI). All patients had potential cardiovascular disease. EAT maximum thicknesses and volumes were measured and calculated using MRI images. Variables such as height, weight, age, gender and disease profiles of patients were obtained using a questionnaire. Results. The study involved 215 patients: 160 who have suffered from myocardial infarction and 55 who do not complain of cardiovascular diseases. Men were accounted for 67% of the sample, women – 33%. Mean age of patients was 56,0±12,6 years, mean body mass index – 28,15±5,72 kg/m2. Mean maximal thickness of EAT of all patients was 8,33±2,95 mm, mean EAT volume – 141,74±47,35 cm3. Mean maximal thicknesses of EAT were 6,27±1,33 mm in those who do not complain of cardiovascular diseases and 9,04±3,02 mm in those who have suffered from myocardial infarction (p=1,5*10-12). Respectively, mean EAT volumes were 101,06±26,41 cm3 and 155,73±44,85 cm3 (p<2,2*10- 16). EAT volumes and maximal thicknesses were normalized – results of all measurements differed significantly. Conclusion. Patients who have suffered fom myocardial infarction had larger volumes of EAT and larger maximal thicknesses of EAT comparing to those who did not complain of cardiovascular diseases. Correspondence to: Donatas.

Keyword(s): epicardial adipose tissue; visceral adipose tissue; myocardial infarction
DOI: 10.5200/sm-hs.2015.048
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