Evaluation of the relationship between para-aortic adipose tissue and ascending aortic diameter using a new method

• Published in: Acta Cardiologica 2022-11, Vol.77 (10), p.943-949
• Main Authors: Adar, Adem, Onalan, Orhan, Cakan, Fahri, Keles, Hakan, Akbay, Ertan, Akıncı, Sinan, Coner, Ali, Haberal, Cevahir, Muderrisoglu, Haldun
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• Subjects: Adipose Tissue - diagnostic imaging; Aorta - diagnostic imaging; aortic aneurysm; Aortic Aneurysm - diagnostic imaging; Aortic Diseases; aortic size index; ascending aortic dilatation; Dilatation, Pathologic - pathology; Echocardiography - methods; Humans; local adipose tissue; Para-aortic adipose tissue; transthoracic echocardiography
• ISSN: 0001-5385; 0373-7934; 1784-973X
• DOI: 10.1080/00015385.2022.2121537

Para-aortic adipose tissue (PAT) is the local adipose tissue that externally surrounds the aorta. It contributes significantly to aortic atherosclerosis and enlargement. Studies conducted with computed tomography and magnetic resonance have shown that individuals with aortic aneurysm had more PAT than healthy individuals. In this study, we measured PAT using transthoracic echocardiography (TTE). The aim of this study is to investigate the possible relationship of TTE measured PAT with ascending aortic width. PAT was defined as the hypoechoic space in front of ascending aortic 2 cm above the sinotubular junction at the end of the systole. Patients were divided into 2 groups according to the presence of dilatation in the ascending aorta using Roman's classification (aortic size index, ASI). ASI of less than 21 was considered no aortic dilation and an ASI of 21 mm/m2 or greater was considered to have aortic dilation. A total of 321 unselected patients were divided into the ascending aortic dilatation (AAD) group (n = 96) and the normal ascending aorta diameter group (n = 225 patients). PAT was significantly higher in the AAD group compared with the non-ADD group (0.9 (0.48) vs. 0.7 (0.91) mm, p