A Cross-Sectional Study on Visceral Fat Estimation by Computed Tomography and Its Relationship to Diabetes and Coronary Artery Disease at Shalamar Hospital, Lahore

Objective: This study aimed to estimate visceral abdominal fat using computed tomography (CT scan) and itsrelationship with two major metabolic conditions diabetes mellitus (DM) and coronary artery disease (CAD).Study Design: A cross-sectional study.Place and Duration of Study: The study was conducted at the Department of Cardiology, Shalamar Hospital,Lahore, Pakistan from 4th May 2024 to 10th August 2024.Methods: A total of 68 adult patients, including both males and females diagnosed with either diabetes, CAD,or both, were recruited for the study. Abdominal CT scans were performed following standard hospital imagingprotocols. Axial two-dimensional (2D) CT images were analyzed to quantify visceral adipose tissue (VAT) area insquare centimeters (cm²). The scans were interpreted by a trained radiologist to ensure accuracy andconsistency in VAT estimation.Results: Results showed that the mean age was approximately 51.88 years in females and 55.24 years in males.Mean visceral adipose tissue (VAT) was 179.63 cm2 in the patients suffering from diabetes or coronary arterydisease (CAD), and their visceral fat percentage was much higher than the VAT threshold. A statisticallysignificant association was found between elevated visceral fat and the presence of diabetes mellitus.Additionally, male participants demonstrated a higher prevalence and quantity of visceral abdominal fatcompared to females.Conclusion: This study highlights a strong association between increased visceral adiposity and the presence ofdiabetes and coronary artery disease. These findings underscore the clinical importance of incorporating VATassessment into routine screening protocols for at-risk individuals. Early identification and targetedmanagement of excess visceral fat could play a crucial role in both the primary and secondary prevention ofmetabolic and cardiovascular diseases. How to cite this: Kazmi T, Tahir M, Farhat S, Hameed Z, Yousaf A. A Cross-Sectional Study on Visceral Fat Estimation by Computed Tomography and Its Relationship to Diabetes and Coronary Artery Disease at Shalamar Hospital, Lahore. Life and Science. 2025; 6(3): 350-355. doi: http://doi.org/10.37185/LnS.1.1.775