The severity of myocardial injury following myocardial infarction (MI) is a key determinant of mortality. Identifying factors that influence the severity of myocardial damage may help pinpoint patients at the highest risk. With this aim, a study presented at the congress of the European Association of Cardiovascular Imaging evaluated the relationship between epicardial adipose tissue (EAT) volume and the extent of myocardial injury. EAT has been linked to coronary artery disease and major cardiovascular events.
The study included 1,168 patients who underwent cardiovascular magnetic resonance (CMR) imaging within ten days after percutaneous coronary intervention for MI. Patients with higher EAT volumes had larger infarct sizes and greater areas at risk, despite lower microvascular obstruction. Left ventricular ejection fraction did not differ between patients with higher and lower EAT…
