Epicardial fat thickness assessment by multi-slice computed tomography for predicting cardiac outcomes in patients undergoing transcatheter aortic valve implantation

Ertas G., Ekmekci A., Sahin S., Murat A., BAKHSALIYEV N., Erer H. B., ...More

CARDIOVASCULAR JOURNAL OF AFRICA, vol.33, pp.108-111, 2022 (SCI-Expanded) identifier identifier identifier

  • Publication Type: Article / Article
  • Volume: 33
  • Publication Date: 2022
  • Doi Number: 10.5830/cvja-2021-043
  • Journal Name: CARDIOVASCULAR JOURNAL OF AFRICA
  • Journal Indexes: Science Citation Index Expanded (SCI-EXPANDED), Scopus, CAB Abstracts, EMBASE, MEDLINE, Veterinary Science Database
  • Page Numbers: pp.108-111
  • Keywords: multi-slice computed tomog-raphy, epicardial fat thickness, calcific aortic stenosis, trans- catheter aortic valve implantation, ADIPOSE-TISSUE, PERICARDIAL FAT, NONCONTRAST CT, STENOSIS
  • Bezmialem Vakıf University Affiliated: Yes

Abstract

Introduction: Chronic inflammation promotes aortic valve calcification. It is known that epicardial fat is a source of inflammation. The aim of this study was to investigate the relationship between epicardial fat thickness, cardiac conduction disorders and outcomes in patients undergoing trans catheter aortic valve implantation (TAVI). Methods: During a three-year period, 45 patients with severe aortic stenosis who underwent TAVI were recruited to the study. Data were collected retrospectively. Epicardial fat was defined as the adipose tissue between the epicardium and the visceral pericardium. Mean epicardial fat thickness was determined by multi-slice computed tomography, which was performed before the procedure. Results: The average thickness of epicardial fat was 13.06 +/- 3.29 mm. This study failed to reveal a significant correlation between epicardial fat thickness and post-procedural left bundle branch block, right bundle branch block, paravalvular aortic regurgitation and pacemaker implantation rates (p > 0.05). Conclusion: The results of this study failed to show a significant relationship between epicardial fat thickness, cardiac conduction disorders and outcomes, however further studies with larger sample numbers are required to explore the relationship.