Relation of Pericardial Adipose Tissue Thickness by Echocardiography to Coronary Artery Disease

Abstract

Background and Objectives: Coronary artery disease (CAD) continues to be a predominant
cause of global morbidity. This study aimed to investigate the association between the thickness
of pericardial adipose tissue (PAT) and the intensity and spread of CAD.
Methods: A cross-sectional observational study was conducted at Sulaimanyah Cardiac Hospital
from January to December 2023. A total of 100 patients undergoing their first coronary
angiography due to chest pain were recruited. The collection of data encompassed interviews,
physical assessments, laboratory tests, electrocardiograms, echocardiograms, and coronary
angiographies.
Results: Patients were categorized based on PAT thickness into two groups: PAT ≤ 0.3 cm 20
(20%) and PAT > 0.3 cm 80 (80%). Significant findings included higher rates of systemic
hypertension (p=0.02), Waist circumference (WC) (p< 0.001), metabolic syndrome (p=0.003),
atypical chest pain (p<0.01), abdominal obesity (p<0.01), and ischemic ECG finding (p=0.02) in
the thicker PAT group. Echocardiographic and angiographic assessments revealed a significant
association between increased PAT thickness and greater prevalence and severity of CAD. Notably,
the presence of CAD correlated significantly with PAT thickness (r=0.350, p<0.001).
Conclusion: Increased PAT thickness is associated with the severity and extent of CAD,
suggesting that PAT could serve as a potential marker for cardiovascular risk stratification