The Relationship between Epicardial Adipose Tissue Thickness and Coronary Artery Disease

Document Type : Original Article

Authors

The Department of Cardiology, Faculty of Medicine, Tanta University

Abstract

Abstract
Background: Epicardial adipose tissue (EAT) is a complex endocrine organ that express a variety of inflammatory medi-ators which may contribute to the pathogenesis of coronary artery disease (CAD).
Aim of Study: To investigate the relation between EAT thickness and presence of coronary artery disease.
Patient and Methods: This study included 100 patients who were candidates for coronary angiography. All patients were subjected to full history taking, and clinical examination. Echocardiographic techniques and calculations of different cardiac dimensions were performed and to measure the EAT. Coronary angiography was performed by standard technique to assess the presence or absence of coronary artery disease and the number of coronary arteries diseased.
Results: EAT equal or more than 0.45cm is related to the presence of coronary artery disease, with a specificity and a sensitivity of 63.6% and 69.2% respectively. Our study revealed a positive correlation between EAT thickness and the presence of CAD.
Conclusions: Epicardial adipose tissue thickness is sig-nificantly associated with presence of coronary artery disease.

Keywords