Gender Differences in Epicardial Adipose Tissue and Plaque Composition by Coronary CT Angiography: Association with Cardiovascular Outcome

Overview

Journal Diagnostics (Basel)

Specialty Radiology

Date 2023 Feb 25

PMID 36832112

Authors

Ullrich Ebersberger

Maximilian J Bauer

Florian Straube

Nicola Fink

U Joseph Schoepf

Akos Varga-Szemes

Tilman Emrich

Joseph Griffith

Ellen Hoffmann

Christian Tesche

Affiliations

Soon will be listed here.

Abstract

To investigate gender differences in epicardial adipose tissue (EAT) and plaque composition by coronary CT angiography (CCTA) and the association with cardiovascular outcome. Data of 352 patients (64.2 ± 10.3 years, 38% female) with suspected coronary artery disease (CAD) who underwent CCTA were retrospectively analyzed. EAT volume and plaque composition from CCTA were compared between men and women. Major adverse cardiovascular events (MACE) were recorded from follow-up. Men were more likely to have obstructive CAD, higher Agatston scores, and a larger total and non-calcified plaque burden. In addition, men displayed more adverse plaque characteristics and EAT volume compared to women (all < 0.05). After a median follow-up of 5.1 years, MACE occurred in 8 women (6%) and 22 men (10%). In multivariable analysis, Agatston calcium score (HR 1.0008, = 0.014), EAT volume (HR 1.067, = 0.049), and low-attenuation plaque (HR 3.82, = 0.036) were independent predictors for MACE in men, whereas only low-attenuation plaque (HR 2.42, = 0.041) showed predictive value for events in women. Women demonstrated less overall plaque burden, fewer adverse plaque characteristics, and a smaller EAT volume compared to men. However, low-attenuation plaque is a predictor for MACE in both genders. Thus, a differentiated plaque analysis is warranted to understand gender differences of atherosclerosis to guide medical therapy and prevention strategies.

Citing Articles

Clinical value of perivascular fat attenuation index and computed tomography derived fractional flow reserve in identification of culprit lesion of subsequent acute coronary syndrome.

Huang M, Han T, Nie X, Zhu S, Yang D, Mu Y Front Cardiovasc Med. 2023; 10:1090397.

PMID: 37332594 PMC: 10272850. DOI: 10.3389/fcvm.2023.1090397.

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