title: Association Between Epicardial Fat Thickness and Premature Coronary Artery Disease: A Case Control Study.
abstract: BACKGROUND
  The association between epicardial fat thickness (EFT) and premature coronary artery disease (CAD) has not been elaborately studied.
  
  
  OBJECTIVE
  In the present study, we sought whether such a relationship between EFT and CAD exists.
  
  
  METHODS
  Sixty two consecutive subjects, under 50 years of age, who underwent coronary angiography (CAG) with the aspect of CAD, were included in this case control study. They were divided into two groups of 31 subjects, namely CAD (cases) and non-CAD (controls) group, according to CAG data. Presence of conventional coronary risk factors, drug history, and anthropometric data were recorded. Then, each subject underwent standard transthoracic echocardiography for measuring EFT in the proximal part of right ventricular outflow tract in the parasternal long axis view at end diastole, as well as other parameters of systolic and diastolic function, and left ventricle (LV) mass. Images were stored for offline analysis when the echocardiocardiographers were blind to CAG data.
  
  
  RESULTS
  Among baseline characteristics, waist circumference, triglyceride levels, cigarette smoking and history of statin use were significantly higher in the CAD group. The body mass index (BMI) was significantly higher in the non-CAD group. According to echocardiographic data, the EFT with a cut off value of 2.95 mm could well differentiate subjects in each group. The LV mass and E/e were significantly higher in CAD group, in addition to EFT. Also, there was a significant correlation between EFT and waist circumference, as well as LV mass. However, no significant relation was between EFT and LV systolic and diastolic function.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  The EFT, as measured by echocardiography, with a cut off value 2.95 mm has a strong association with premature CAD.
authors.affiliation: Rajaie Cardiovascular Medical and Research Center, Iran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, IR Iran.
authors.forename: Shadi
authors.initials: S
authors.lastname: Faghihi
authors.affiliation: Electrophysiology Department, Tehran Heart Center, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, IR Iran.
authors.forename: Ali
authors.initials: A
authors.lastname: Vasheghani-Farahani
authors.affiliation: Echocardiography Research Center, Rajaie Cardiovascular Medical and Research Center, Iran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, IR Iran.
authors.forename: Mozhgan
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: Parsaee
authors.affiliation: Rajaie Cardiovascular Medical and Research Center, Iran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, IR Iran.
authors.forename: Sedigheh
authors.initials: S
authors.lastname: Saedi
authors.affiliation: Rajaie Cardiovascular Medical and Research Center, Iran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, IR Iran.
authors.forename: Behshid
authors.initials: B
authors.lastname: Ghadrdoost
keywords: Coronary Angiography; Coronary Artery Disease; Echocardiography