Cardiac magnetic resonance quantified epicardial fat volume is associated with complex coronary artery disease among diabetics

Abstract Background Epicardial and pericardial adipose tissues are two distinct types of visceral fat in close adherence to the heart and were found to be increased among diabetics. Aim To investigate the correlation between cardiac magnetic resonance (CMR)-quantified epicardial (EFV) and pericardial fat (PFV) volumes and the complexity of coronary artery disease (CAD) among diabetic and non-diabetic patients. Methods This was a cross-sectional study that included 111 patients having CAD as indicated by coronary angiography and who underwent CMR. Epicardial and pericardial fat volumes were measured along short-axis CMR-derived images. CAD severity and complexity were evaluated using the syntax score (SS). Patients were classified into diabetic and non-diabetic groups based on their HbA1c and were compared regarding clinical, angiographic, and CMR data. Those with high SS were compared against low/intermediate SS. The correlation of measured EFV and PFV with the SS was evaluated, and possible predictors for high-SS were assessed. Results Diabetic patients ( n = 64, 57.7%) had significantly high syntax scores, and significantly larger absolute and indexed EFV and PFV compared to non-diabetics. Both EFV and PFV showed a significant positive correlation with HbA1c and SS. EFV ≥ 119.55 ml significantly predicted high-SS (AUC = 0.84, 95%CI = 0.76–0.91, sensitivity = 77% and specificity = 82.5%) among the study population. Different cutoff points of EFV significantly predicted high SS among diabetics and non-diabetics with respective reasonable sensitivity and specificity. Age and EFV were consistently predictive of high SS on different multivariable regression models. Conclusion Increased epicardial adipose tissue was a significant independent predictor of severe and complex CAD, representing a possible risk marker and potential therapeutic target, particularly among diabetics.