Epicardial adipose tissue thickness and systemic sclerosis

Abstract

Purpose: Microvasculopathy and endothelial damage are prominent features of systemic sclerosis (SSc) and increases risk of cardiovascular disease. Epicardial adipose tissue (EAT) is localized beneath the visceral pericardium and has been shown to be closely related with coronary artery disease (CAD). The goal of this study was to investigate the thickness of EAT in SSc patients who had no previous or current history of cardiac involvement. Methods: Thirty patients with SSc and 30 healthy controls (HC) were included to the study. Measurement of EAT was evaluated using echocardiography and Doppler imaging technique. Results: EAT thickness was significantly higher in SSc group compared to HC (6.2±0.9 mm vs. 5.3±0.6 mm, p=0.01) and it was correlated with disease severity score (r=0.45, p=0.01) in SSc patients.\nConclusion: This is the first study, displaying a significantly higher EAT thickness in patients with SSc. We believe that further studies are needed to clarify the role of adipose tissue in patients with SSc.