Relation Between Epicardial Adipose and Aortic Valve and Mitral Annular Calcium Determined by Computed Tomography in Subjects Aged ≥65 Years

Epicardial adipose tissue (EAT) has been linked to coronary artery calcium deposits and atherosclerotic disease. Mitral annular (MAC) and aortic valve calcium (AVC) have also been associated with atherosclerosis. This study examined the possible relation between EAT thickness and valvular calcium deposits. We included 294 patients aged ≥65 years who had noncontrast computed tomography scans of the chest. Mean age was 76 ± 7 years; 47% were men. Using reconstructed images, EAT thickness was measured at various locations. MAC and AVC were quantified by Agatston technique. The sum of AVC and MAC was reported as the grand total score (GTS). Subjects were divided into 2 groups based on the value of GTS; GTS = 0, no cardiac calcification and GTS ≥1, cardiac calcification group. Epicardial fat (left and right atrioventricular grooves and superior interventricular groove) was significantly greater in the cardiac calcification group compared with the no cardiac calcification (all values, p <0.05). After adjusting for clinical variables including BMI, EAT at the superior interventricular groove remained significantly associated with total calcium. Left atrioventricular groove EAT demonstrated a trend toward an association with total calcium, but this did not reach statistical significance. In conclusion, epicardial fat is associated with calcium deposits of the mitral annulus and aortic valve.