Fat Tissue Thickness Research Articles

Echocardiographic assessment of epicardial fat tissue thickness in patients with severe periodontitis

ObjectivesThis study aims to assess the thickness of epicardial fat tissue (EFT), a sign of cardiovascular risk, using echocardiography in patients with severe periodontitis. MethodsThirty-three patients with stage III or IV periodontitis and 33 healthy participants were enrolled into the study. Epicardial fat tissue thickness was measured perpendicularly via echocardiography of the free wall of the right ventricular at end-diastole in three cardiac cycles. Body mass index (BMI) was calculated by dividing weight in kilograms by the height in meters squared. EFT to BMI ratio (EFT/BMI) was measured by dividing EFT by the BMI. ResultsThere was no significant difference between study patients and the control group as regards to the frequency of diabetes, hypertension, smoking, and hyperlipidemia. The EFT and EFT/ BMI ratio were significantly different in the control and periodontitis groups (0.51±0.17 vs. 0.77±0.16, respectively; p ≤0.001) (0.021±0.008 vs. 0.030±0.006, respectively; p≤0.001). Pearson's correlation coefficient demonstrated a significant relationship between EFT and the clinical parameters of periodontitis (p<0.001) ConclusionsEFT thickness measured by echocardiography appears to be associated with severe periodontitis and may thus be an indirect sign of cardiovascular disease in periodontitis patients.

Postpneumonectomy syndrome related to the thickness of the fat tissue in the anterior mediastinum: a retrospective observational study.

BackgroundPostpneumonectomy syndrome (PPS) is a life-threatening condition characterized by the extrinsic compression of the mainstem bronchus after pneumonectomy, causing rapidly progressive dyspnea. Information regarding the predictive factors of this condition is limited. Thus, the current study aimed to identify the predictive findings that can help prepare the treatment of PPS in advance.MethodsThe present study is a retrospective observational study. We reviewed the medical records of 12 consecutive patients who underwent pneumonectomy for lung cancer or tuberculosis between 2009 and 2020. The anatomical findings evaluated via computed tomography scan, nutritional status assessed using laboratory data, respiratory function, intraoperative variables between PPS and non-postpneumonectomy-syndrome patients were compared.ResultsThere were two female patients who presented with left PPS (PPS 1 and PPS 2 aged 73 and 55 years, respectively). The median age of 10 non-postpneumonectomy-syndrome patients (n=6, men and n=4 women) was 66 (range, 54–76 years). Four and six patients underwent right and left pneumonectomy, respectively. The fat tissue thickness in the anterior mediastinum was significantly thinner in PPS than in non-postpneumonectomy-syndrome patients. However, the body mass index (BMI) and other nutritional parameters did not differ between PPS and non-postpneumonectomy-syndrome patients. The median vital capacity was higher in PPS than in non-postpneumonectomy-syndrome patients. The decrement of respiratory function and body weight after pneumonectomy did not differ between two groups. The intraoperative variables did not also differ between two groups.ConclusionsThe fat tissue in the anterior mediastinum between the bilateral lungs is an anchor that can help maintain the normal position of the mediastinum after pneumonectomy. Thus, the fat tissue thickness between the bilateral lungs can be a predictive factor for the occurrence of PPS before surgery.

AB015. OP15 Comparison of ultrasound findings and laparoscopic views in the evaluation of hepatosteatosis

Background: Ultrasonographic evaluation of liver may not be clear due to the thickness of subcutaneous fat tissue in morbidly obese patients. In this study, ultrasound findings and laparoscopic views were compared in the evaluation of hepatosteatosis.

Energy Consumption of Young Military Working Dogs in Pre-Training in Germany.

Simple SummaryAppropriate energy supply adjusted to the requirements of military working dogs at pre-training is a basic prerequisite for working dogs, so they are fully able to exercise. Therefore, twenty Belgian Shepherds var. Malinois were accompanied for four weeks during pre-training as military working dogs, and the amount of energy intake was evaluated. Changes in body constitution were assessed by measuring body weight and shoulder height, as well as thickness of subcutaneous fat tissue, and of Musculus sacrocaudalis dorsalis lateralis (MSCDL). Energy intake amounted to, on average, 244 kcal/kg body weight (BW)0.75 daily. Changes to body constitution (increases in body weight, shoulder height, and thickness of the MSCDL, as well as a reduction of the thickness of the subcutaneous fat tissue lying on the MSCDL) might be attributed to training-induced muscle growth and physiological growth in size. In addition to training intensity, influences of ambient temperature and physiological body growth seemed to be important contributing factors in the supply of energy for military working dogs (MWDs) during pre-training.Many factors have specific effects, in varying degrees of intensity, on the metabolic energy requirements of working dogs. Appropriate energy supply adjusted to the requirements of military working dogs at pre-training is a basic prerequisite for working dogs, so they are fully able to exercise. Therefore, more knowledge obtained under standardized conditions would be advantageous. Twenty intact Belgian Shepherds var. Malinois at the age of 12 months were accompanied for four weeks during pre-training (odour detection, obedience training, and protection work) as military working dogs (MWDs) in Germany (ambient temperature about 7.8 °C), and the amount of energy intake was evaluated. To assess changes in body constitution, body weight and shoulder height were measured, and the thickness of subcutaneous fat tissue (SCF), and of Musculus sacrocaudalis dorsalis lateralis (MSCDL), were recorded via ultrasound. Energy intake amounted to, on average, 244 ± 34 kcal/kg body weight (BW)0.75 daily. Increases in body weight, shoulder height, and thickness of the MSCDL, as well as a reduction of SCF thickness lying on the MSCDL, were observed. Changes of body constitution might be attributed to training-induced muscle growth and physiological growth in size. In addition to training intensity, influences of ambient temperature and physiological body growth seemed to be important contributing factors in the supply of energy for MWDs during pre-training.

Growth performance, carcass characteristics, and meat quality of Mongolian lambs fed native grass or hay with or without concentrate on the Inner Mongolian Plateau

The aim of this study was to evaluate the effects of native grass on growth performance, carcass characteristics, and meat quality of Mongolian lambs fed Inner Mongolia native grass in three forms: grass, hay, and hay with concentrate (HC). Sixty Mongolian noncastrated male lambs, in good health and with the same age (6 mo) and similar body weights (mean, 28.63 ± 0.19 kg), were randomly divided into three treatments. There were four replicates in each treatment, with five lambs in one pen as a replicate. Compared with the HC group, the intake of the grass group was higher (P &lt; 0.05) and that of the hay group was lower (P &lt; 0.05). The hay group had a gain of −58.67 g d−1, compared with 42.33 g d−1 for the HC group and 80.00 g d−1 for the grass group. The carcass weight, net meat mass, loin muscle area, and fat thickness (a measure of fat tissue thickness) were greater in the grass and HC groups than in the hay group (P &lt; 0.05). Compared with the hay group, the protein and calcium contents, marbling score, and water loss rate were greater in the grass and HC groups (P &lt; 0.05), whereas the fat, phosphorus, cholesterol contents, and b* score were lower for the latter groups (P &lt; 0.05). These results suggest that feeding of native grass hay with concentrate could improve the growth performance and meat quality of Mongolian lambs and achieve results similar to those observed in grass-fed lambs.

Lipoatrophy in children, adolescents and adults with insulin pump treatment: Is there a beneficial effect of insulin glulisine?

To investigate whether zinc-free insulin is an effective treatment option for lipoatrophy. Controlled, randomized, open-label parallel study in young people with type 1 diabetes, pump treatment and lipoatrophy at injection sites. Participants underwent dermatological examination and evaluation of affected areas using ultrasound and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI). After randomization, half of themswitched to insulin glulisine (intervention group) for 6 months. The control group continued their treatment with zinc-containing insulin and switched to insulin glulisine 6 months later. Both groups were followed-up until month 12. Primary endpoint was the increase of the relative thickness of the subcutaneous fat layer of the most atrophic site at 6 months as documented by MRI. Fourteen participants were included into the study. While relative thickness of subcutaneous fat tissue was comparable between intervention (-60% [-98.8 - -17.6], n = 7) and control group (-50% [-72.7 - -1.0], P = .511; median (range), n = 7)at baseline, it improved in the intervention (-14.3% [-85.7-83.3] vs -31.3% (-66.7-0), P = .031), but not in the control group (P = .125) after 6 months. At 12 months, relative fat thickness (P = .003), number (P = .015) and size of most atrophic sites (P = .001) were improved in the intervention group. Number (P = .018) and size of most atrophic sites (P = .008) were also reduced in the control group between 6 and 12 months. Although the present pilot study is based on a small sample, the data give first hint that the use of the zinc-free insulin glulisine may be beneficial in people with diabetes, pump and lipoatrophy.

Aging Changes of the Superficial Fat Compartments of the Midface Over Time: A Magnetic Resonance Imaging Study.

Studies involving superficial facial fat compartments are few in number with conflicting results. Most of them involved small study groups and compared measurements between different populations of young and old subjects either on cadavers or living subjects. To clarify volumetric and dimensional changes in midfacial superficial fat compartment retrospectively in patients who underwent a repeat magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) without gross pathology. A total of 70 patients with a mean age of 60 years (range: 33-82 years) and a median elapsed time of 44.5 months (range: 32-64 months) between 2 MRIs were included. Magnetic resonance imaging scans were analyzed in the axial and sagittal planes to obtain measurements of the medial part of the superficial cheek fat. Superficial cheek fat was divided into 3 compartments. Thickness, width, and height were measured, and volumes were calculated for each compartment on both hemifaces. Volume and thickness were decreased significantly in all compartments (p < .05). The width was decreased in superior and middle compartments, whereas increased in lower compartment indicating dislocation of the fat tissue (p < .05). Height was also significantly increased (p < .05). A subgroup analysis has shown that there was no significant difference between men and women. This study clarifies that aging is associated with a significant decrease in superficial midfacial fat tissue volume and thickness both in women and men. The decrease in width in upper and middle compartments, but increase in lower compartment suggests a volume shift within superficial fat tissue.

The relation between epicardial fat tissue thickness and atrial fibrillation ın hemodialysis patients.

The prevalence of arrhythmia has increased in hemodialysis (HD) patients and the most frequent is atrial fibrillation (AF). It was reported that the amount of epicardial fat tissue (EFT) in the population without renal disease is closely related to AF. In the present study of ours, the relation between EFT thickness and AF was examined in HD patients. A total of 79 patients who underwent HD for periods longer than 3months were included in the study. The mean age of the patients was 53.6±15.2 years and 50.6% were male. The mean EFT thicknesses were measured as 7.2±2.3mm (3-12). A positive correlation was found between the EFT thickness and age, C-reactive protein, and left ventricle rear wall thickness. AF was found in 18 (22.8%) patients in the Holter ECG examination. When the group with AF was compared with the non-AF group; although the mean HD duration of the group with AF was longer, there were no significant differences in terms of epicardial adipose tissue thickness and other parameters. In the present study, no relations were found between EFT thickness and AF frequency in HD patients. Further studies with a larger number of the patient population are needed in this regard.

Retrorenal fat predicts grade C pancreatic fistula after pancreaticoduodenectomy.

Pancreatic fistula after pancreaticoduodenectomy is one of the most severe complications with mortality rates as high as 45%, and the prediction of most severe form of fistula (grade C) is crucial for successful management of patients who are to undergo cephalic pancreatoduodenectomy. It has been found that the amount of abdominal fat may predict grade C postoperative pancreatic fistula. In this study, we analysed the value of retrorenal fat thickness in the prediction of grade C pancreatic fistula. A total of 140 patients who underwent pancreaticoduodenectomy were retrospectively analysed. Retrorenal fat thickness and intra-abdominal fat, expressed as total fat area, visceral fat area and subcutaneous fat area, were determined from computed tomography slices using the known range of attenuation values (-190 to -30). Blood loss, operating time, pancreatic texture and main pancreatic duct diameter as well as body mass index were also analysed. Retrorenal fat thickness (P = 0.0004), duct diameter (P = 0.0008), subcutaneous fat area (P = 0.023) and total fat area (P = 0.014) were found to be significant predictors of grade C pancreatic fistula. Although retrorenal fat tissue thickness may seem robust, it is a simple measure that can be used to predict the most severe grade of pancreatic fistula after pancreaticoduodenectomy.

A-Mode Ultrasound Reliability in Fat and Muscle Thickness Measurement.

Ribeiro, G, de Aguiar, RA, Penteado, R, Lisbôa, FD, Raimundo, JAG, Loch, T, Meira, Â, Turnes, T, and Caputo, F. A-mode ultrasound reliability in fat and muscle thickness measurement. J Strength Cond Res 36(6): 1610-1617, 2022-This study aimed to verify the reliability of the BodyMetrix portable A-mode ultrasound in measuring fat and muscle tissue thickness. Thirty physically active men participated in daily body composition evaluations. The evaluations comprised 2 techniques: (a) graphic technique (GTBM), which measured the fat thickness at 9 body sites (abdomen, axillary, biceps brachii, calf, chest, subscapular, suprailiac, thigh, and triceps brachii), and (b) imaging technique (ITBM), which simultaneously measured the fat and muscle thickness of 6 body surfaces (abdomen, biceps brachii, chest, thigh, trapezius, and triceps brachii). Regarding GTBM, relative reliability was moderate to excellent (intraclass correlation coefficient [ICC]: 0.81-0.98), whereas absolute reliability was acceptable for abdomen, calf, chest, subscapular, suprailiac, and triceps brachii (coefficient of variation [CV]: 6.9-8.8%) but high for axillary, biceps brachii, and thigh (CV: 12.0-17.4%) in measuring fat thicknesses. Concerning ITBM, relative reliability was good to excellent (ICC: 0.93-0.99 and 0.90-0.98), whereas absolute reliability was acceptable (CV: 3.0-9.2% and 3.5-5.9%) in measuring fat and muscle thickness, respectively. These findings suggest that the, GTBM was only reliable in measuring fat thickness of abdomen, calf, chest, subscapular, suprailiac, and triceps brachii, whereas ITBM was reliable in measuring both fat and muscle thickness in all regions, but showed better reliability values in measuring muscle than fat thickness.

Increased epicardial fat tissue thickness predicts advanced interatrial block among hypertensive patients

BackgroundRecent studies demonstrated that epicardial fat tissue (EFT) was associated with prevalent AF and recurrences following the catheter ablation. We evaluated the value of EFT for the prediction of advanced interatrial block (a-IAB) in the surface electrocardiography (ECG) among hypertensive patients. MethodsPatients with prior diagnosis of hypertension (HT) were included in the study. Surface ECG and transthoracic echocardiography (TTE) were performed to each patient. A-IAB was defined as P-wave duration longer than 120 ms with biphasic morphology in the inferior leads. EFT was identified by using TTE and was measured perpendicularly in front of the right ventricular free wall at the end-systole. ResultsBetween February 2019 and February 2020 245 patients met the eligibility criteria. A-IAB was found among 35 patients and compared to those without IAB, they had increased waist circumference, elevated left ventricular mass index (LVMI) and left atrial volume index (LAVI), lower LDL and increased P wave duration. EFT thickness was higher in patients with a-IAB compared to those without (5.3 ± 2.2 mm vs 7.6 ± 2.4 mm). Multivariable analysis revealed that increased EFT thickness and lower LDL level predicted a-IAB. ConclusionAmong patients with prior diagnosis of HT, higher EFT thickness evaluated by TTE predicted the presence of a-IAB on the surface ECG.

CONSTRUCTION AND APPLICATION OF BREP PHANTOM FOR CHINESE WOMEN OF CHILDBEARING AGE IN RADIATION PROTECTION.

The purpose of this study is to construct boundary representation (BREP) phantom for Chinese women of childbearing age, to estimate the external radiation dose and to analyze radiation protection scheme. The BREP phantom for Chinese women of childbearing age was constructed by image segmentation, 3D reconstruction, non-uniform rational B-spline surface construction and voxelization. The photon-irradiated organ absorbed dose-conversion coefficients (DCCK) of the three female specific organs and the photon effective dose-conversion coefficient (ECCK) were calculated by Monte-Carlo method. The results showed that age, body fat-tissue thickness, direction and area of irradiation, organ location and volume all affected the dose of women specific organs when receiving medical exposure. In the case of ensuring the quality of the diagnosis, radiation protection for female specific organs can be achieved by organ dose modulation techniques and reducing exposure area or volume.

Thickness of epicardial fat tissue as a marker of various obesity phenotypes in young patients with bronchial asthma

One of the directions in the study of diseases is their phenotyping. Thus, understanding the peculiarities of bronchial asthma (BA) and various types of obesity phenotypes combination will not only provide a differentiated approach to treatment, but also achieve maximum therapeutic effect. The aim of this study was to evaluate clinical and laboratory features of various obesity phenotypes in BA patients at a young age in order to optimize antiasthmatic therapy and early diagnosis of cardiovascular complications. Methods . Patients with BA of different severity were examined (n = 164); the control group was made up of relatively healthy subjects (n = 40). The subjects were divided into groups with BMI (Body Mass Index); the 1 st group (n = 93) included patients with BMI 18.5–24.9 kg/m 2 ; the 2 nd group (n = 80) included BA patients with BMI 30–34.9 kg/m 2 (1st degree obesity). Overweight patients were detected, clinical and functional examination was performed, epicardial adipose tissue thickness (EATT) was measured by standard two-dimensional echocardiography (EchoCG), obesity degree, cytokine, adipokine, insulin levels, insulin resistance indices were determined. Results . According to the results of the study in patients with BA and metabolic fat obesity phenotype (MFOP) a significant disorder of adipokine balance was revealed, carbohydrate metabolism disorder was noted, and significantly higher insulin levels were observed, insulin resistance index (Homeostasis Model Assessment of Insulin Resistance – НОМА-IR) and decrease in insulin sensitivity index (ISI) relative to the group of patients with metabolically healthy obesity phenotype and control. Conclusion . It has been established that the EATT determined by the EchoCG method can serve as a predictor of MFOP and a risk factor for cardiovascular diseases.

A cut-off value of epicardial fat thickness for the prediction of large for gestational age foetuses

Estimation of foetal weight in the prenatal period is important in many respects. For this purpose, during different periods of pregnancy; mostly in the last trimester; many methods or formulas have been described, almost of them using ultrasound. Foetal epicardial adipose tissue has previously been described as a metabolic organ in studies. Foetal epicardial fat tissue thickness (EFT) measurement has been previously described in the literature and has been associated with metabolic conditions such as preeclampsia or gestational diabetes. The purpose of this study was to determine the strength and cut-off value of EFT measured by ultrasound in the second trimester in the prediction of large for gestational age (LGA) foetuses. Epicardial fat tissue thicknesses which were recorded during second trimester anomaly screening were evaluated retrospectively. Birth weights of the same cases were also obtained from the database and analysed with IBM SPSS Statistics for Windows Version 22.0 (IBM Corp., Armonk, NY, USA). LGA babies had thicker EFT measurements and we established a cut-off EFT value of 1.38 mm. Our results suggest that EFT thickness measured by ultrasound in the second trimester may be useful in predicting LGA foetuses. Impact statement What is already known on this subject? It is known that foetal epicardial fat tissue is an adipose tissue with metabolic functions. Previously the relationship between this tissue and prenatal complications; such as, preeclampsia, gestational diabetes and infant growth and development were investigated. We planned this study considering that a tissue with metabolic functions affecting foetal growth may also affect birth weight. What do the results of this study add? Foetal epicardial fat thickness measurement only once in the second trimester may predict the 90th percentile limit at birth which is considered as the LGA limit. What are the implications of these findings for clinical practice and/or further research? In our study, we determined that the thickness of epicardial fat tissue measured in the second tirmester could predict the 90 th percentile limit at birth and that the cut-off value for this group was 1.38 mm. We believe that this measurement may help to determine LGA babies at birth as early as the second trimester. In future studies, the 97 percentile limit can be determined from the early weeks with reaching larger groups. Thus, babies who are likely to experience birth trauma in clinical practice can be reached from early weeks.

The Relationship Between Abdominal Subcutan Fat Tissue Thickness and HbA1c in Pregnant Women

Objective: Obesity is a very common and important health problem and it has become widespread all over the world. Fat tissue is one of the major endocrine organs. Subcutaneous adipose tissue is associated with many diseases such as coronary artery disease, metabolic syndrome, diabetes, impaired lipid profile. Pregnancy is a special condition with metabolic changes involving all systems. We aimed to investigate the relationship and correlation between abdominal fat and HbA1c because of the specific metabolic conditions in pregnancy.Study Design: This is a retrospective study. Ninety-nine (n=99) pregnant women between the ages of 20 and 40 were included in the present study. They have not any other chronic diseases. Ultrasonography was performed between 16.-28. weeks. Abdominal subcutaneous fat tissue was measured during 16-28 weeks of pregnancy. Routine biochemical parameters and HbA1c were evaluated.Results: Subcutaneous fat tissue had a positive correlation with metabolic parameters such as weight and BMI, and a negative correlation with vitamin D level. There is a positive strong correlation with HbA1c level. There was not any correlation between HbA1c and metabolic parameters like triglyceride, LDL, HDL, and cholesterol.Conclusion: There was a strong positive correlation between abdominal subcutaneous fat tissue thickness and HbA1c. However, we didn’t find any correlation between infant weight and metabolic parameters.

Serum Gamma-Glutamyl Transferase Is Associated with Epicardial Fat Thickness in Middle Aged Women

Accumulating data indicate that gamma-glutamyl transferase (GGT) is associated with cardiovascular morbidity and mortality. A positive correlation between GGT levels and various cardiometabolic risk factors has been previously found. The aim of this study was to investigate the relationship between GGT and epicardial fat tissue thickness (EFTT) a marker of visceral adiposity. A total of one hundred five middle-aged (40-60 years) women were included in this cross-sectional study. EFTT was measured using 2-dimensional echocardiography, on the free wall of the right ventricle perpendicularly to the aortic annulus. Biochemical parameters were determined with an automated biochemical analyzer. Values of GGT were logarithmically transformed (log-GGT) because of their skewed distribution. We found that log-GGT correlated with age, body mass index, abdominal circumference, EFTT, triglycerides, fasting plasma glucose and uric acid. In multivariate regression analysis, log-GGT levels were independently associated with EFTT (�=0.27, p=0.004), postmenopausal status (�=0.25, p=0.008) and triglycerides (�=0.23, p=0.01). In conclusion, in middle-aged women, GGT independently correlated with EFTT and may be a marker of visceral adiposity and increased cardiovascular risk.

Computed Tomography Measurements of Hepatic Steatosis in Cholelitihiasis and Cholecystectomy Cases Using Unenhanced Images

IntroductionComputed tomography (CT) measurements of hepatic steatosis can be performed using unenhanced CT images. The purpose of this study was to assess the occurrence of hepatic steatosis using unenhanced CT images for patients undergoing cholecystectomy or having cholelithiasis. MethodsA total of 143 unenhanced CT cases from a single centre were retrospectively examined. The CT number of liver, ratio of CT number of liver to spleen, and CT number of liver minus CT number of spleen were measured in three groups: (1) patients undergoing cholecystectomy, (2) patients having cholelithiasis, and (3) control group. Abdominal circumference, anterior subcutaneous fat tissue thickness, and body mass index were obtained. ResultsMean CT number of liver was significantly different between the group of patients with cholecystectomy and cholelithiasis and the control group (P < .001) and also between cases of cholecystectomy and cholelithiasis (P = .041), with the lowest CT number of liver in the cholecystectomy group. The mean CT number of liver minus CT number of spleen and mean CT number (liver/spleen) ratios, evaluated separately for both lobes, were not different comparing the cholelithiasis and cholecystectomy groups. The mean CT number of liver minus CT number of spleen and mean CT number (liver/spleen) ratios differed significantly between the control group and both patient groups (P < .001). Positive correlations were identified between abdominal circumference, subcutaneous fat depth, body mass index, and liver size and hepatic steatosis. ConclusionThere was an increased occurrence of hepatic steatosis in patients who have undergone a cholecystectomy compared with patients treated for cholelithiasis and the control group.

Evaluation of the relationship between erectile dysfunction and epicardial fat tissue thickness and carotid intima-media thickness in patients with newly diagnosed hypertension

This study is an investigation of the relationship between erectile dysfunction and epicardial adipose tissue and carotid intima-media thickness, which are indicators of endothelial dysfunction and subclinical atherosclerosis, in patients with newly diagnosed hypertension. The epicardial adipose tissue and carotid intima-media thickness of 101 male patients with newly diagnosed hypertension were measured using echocardiography between May 1, 2018 and May 31, 2019. Evaluation of erectile dysfunction was performed using the 5-item version of the International Index of Erectile Function (IIEF-5) in a face-to-face interview in the urology outpatient clinic. The data of patients with and without erectile dysfunction were compared. There was a significant relationship between the presence and severity of erectile dysfunction and epicardial fat tissue and carotid intima-media thickness in patients with newly diagnosed hypertension. Left ventricular diastolic function was found to be more impaired in patients with erectile dysfunction. Erectile dysfunction was determined to be related to increased epicardial fat tissue and carotid intima-media thicknesses in patients with newly-diagnosed hypertension.

The relationship between epicardial fat tissue thickness and transit time flow measurement values of coronary artery bypass grafts

Introduction: Epicardial fat tissue, the true visceral adipose depot of the heart, has been associated with changes in both cardiac function and morphology. This study aimed to show the relationship between epicardial fat tissue (EFT) thickness and graft flow dynamics in arterial and venous grafts in coronary artery bypass graft surgery (CABG). Methods: Patients underwent transthoracic echocardiography before surgery and epicardial fat thickness were evaluated. The patients were divided into two groups as EFT value <5.5 (group 1) mm and ≥5.5 (group 2) mm. One hundred eighty-one patients with a total of 434 grafts (162 arterial and272 venous) underwent isolated coronary artery bypass grafting surgery. All grafts were examined by transit time flow meter intraoperatively. Results: The mean epicardial fat tissue thickness values were 4.9±0.8 mm and 6.1±1.3 mm, respectively.Mean graft flow values of left internal mammary artery was 44.21±23.2 mL/min in group 1 and39.65 ± 19.2 mL/min in group 2 (P = 0.041). Similarly, mean graft flow values were higher in group1 in all venous grafts regardless of which vessel bypass was performed. There is a significant negative correlation between epicardial fat thickness and mean graft flow. Conclusion: Epicardial fat thickness measurement preoperatively might provide additional data for the faith of the graft.

Is there a relationship between epicardial fat tissue thickness and Tp-Te/QT ratio in healthy individuals?

IntroductionEpicardial fat is a tissue that releases many proinflammatory and atherogenic mediators, with endocrine and paracrine effects on the heart. In this study, the implication of the EFT thickness (EFTt) on transmural dispersion of repolarisation (TDR) was analysed utilizing the T-wave peak to end interval (Tp-Te), the Tp-Te dispersion (Tp-Te (d)), and the Tp-Te/QT ratio.Material and methodsOne thousand seven hundred and thirteen subjects were enrolled in the research. The subjects were chosen to be healthy individuals, without any cardiovascular/systemic disorders or risk factors for atherosclerosis. Transthoracic echocardiography (TTE) was applied to all subjects, and EFTt was measured in both diastole and systole. The ECG measurements were taken from standard 12-lead surface ECG.ResultsCorrelation analysis revealed that the EFTt is highly associated with the Tp-Te interval, Tp-Te/QT ratio, Tp-Te (d), increasing age, body mass index (BMI), body surface area (BSA), left ventricular (LV) mass, LV mass index, plasma glucose during fasting, triglycerides, and low-density lipoprotein cholesterol.ConclusionsThe study results showed that increased EFTt was associated with increased TDR values of Tp-Te, Tp-Te (d), and Tp-Te/QT ratio, even in the absence of other factors that could increase TDR and EFTt. Therefore, it can be stated that increased EFTt may cause an increase the risk for ventricular arrhythmia.