Correlation of CT Epicardial Adipose Tissue (EAT) thickness with cardiovascular risk using the framingham risk score

ABSTRACT

BACKGROUND@#Epicardial adipose tissue (EAT) thickness as a marker of cardiovascular risk has not been extensively studied. Though readily seen in CT images, it is often overlooked due to limited information of its significance. This study aims to determine the correlation of CT EAT thickness with cardiovascular risk using the Framingham Risk Score in adult Filipino patients.@*METHODOLOGY@#This study is a cross-sectional study involving 44 Filipinos, 21 to 70 years, who underwent chest CT scan, CT aortogram, CT calcium score, CT coronary angiogram and CT pulmonary angiogram in our institution from January 2017 to June 2018. After undergoing CT scan, patients are recruited to participate in which their Framingham Risk Score (FRS) was determined. EAT thickness measurements will be measured in the right ventricular anterior free wall along the axial plane. Correlation between EAT thickness and FRS will be analyzed using Pearson's Product - Moment Correlation.@*RESULTS@#Findings suggest that FRS has a moderate correlation with EAT thickness (r = 0.6287, p = <0.001).@*CONCLUSION@#CT measured EAT shows moderate correlation with Framingham Risk Score.