Evaluation of the relationship between epicardial fat tissue thickness and extension of coronary artery disease

Aim: Epicardial adipose tissue is metabolically active endocrine and paracrine organ with possible interactions within the heart. In this study we aimed to investigate whether epicardial adipose tissue ; a predictive factor in many of the cardiovascular disease etiopathogenesis , is related to diffuse coronary involvement. Materials and Methods: Fifty three patients who underwent coronary angiography due to the presence of stabil angina pectoris and positive or equivocal results after noninvasive stress tests , having at least 1 lesion of the coronary arteries were included in the study.The degree of diffuse coronary involvement was determined by a novel quantitative formula on coronary angiography.Epicardial adipose tissue thickness was also measured by ecocardiographically. Results : Epicardial adipose tissue thickness is significantly correlated with the diffuse coronary involvement score.(p<0,01) Epicardial adipose tissue thickness is also significantly correlated with coronary lesion length. Conclusion:Our results suggest that increased epicardial adipose tissue thickness is correlated with the diffuse coronary involvement measurements than focal coronary lesions. Key Words: Epicardial adipose tissue, coronary artery disease , diffuse involvement