Detection of fibrotic remodeling of epicardial adipose tissue in patients with atrial fibrillation: Imaging approach based on histological observation.

ABSTRACT:

Background

Fibrotic remodeling of epicardial adipose tissue (EAT) is crucial for proinflammatory atrial myocardial fibrosis, which leads to atrial fibrillation (AF).

Objectives

We tested the hypothesis that the ratio of central to marginal adipocyte diameter in EAT represents its fibrotic remodeling. Based on a similar concept, we also tested whether the percent (%) change in EAT fat attenuation determined using computed tomographic (CT) images can detect this remodeling.

Methods

Left atrial appendages were obtained from 76 consecutive AF patients during cardiovascular surgery. EAT in the central area (central EAT: C-EAT) and that adjacent to the atrial myocardium (Marginal EAT: M-EAT) were evaluated histologically. CT images for all of the 76 patients were also analy

SUBMITTER: Ishii Y 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC8369308 | biostudies-literature | 2021 Aug

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature