Key result
Higher CMR-assessed EAT volume is linked to ~8% greater MACE risk in STEMI patients.
Why the study?
Epicardial adipose tissue may play a role in coronary artery disease, but its prognostic value in STEMI patients remains uncertain.
Does epicardial adipose tissue volume assessed by CMR predict major adverse cardiovascular events in patients with STEMI after successful revascularization?
Cohort (n=540)
Yes
Does epicardial adipose tissue volume assessed by CMR predict major adverse cardiovascular events in patients with STEMI after successful revascularization?
Hazard Ratio: 1.08 (95% CI 1.02–1.16)
p-value: p=0.037
Higher epicardial adipose tissue volume measured non-invasively by CMR independently predicts long-term major adverse cardiovascular events in STEMI patients post-revascularization.
EAT volume independently predicts MACE after STEMI; extends prior associations but leaves open incremental value for risk stratification.
BACKGROUND: Epicardial adipose tissue (EAT) around the myocardium may play a role in coronary artery disease, yet its prognostic value in patients with ST-segment elevation myocardial infarction (STEMI) remains uncertain. METHODS: Data from 540 STEMI patients enrolled in a registry study (NCT03768453) were analyzed. Cardiac magnetic resonance (CMR) cine sequences were used to measure EAT volume. The primary endpoint was a composite of major adverse cardiovascular events (MACE). The Cox proportional hazards model was used to assess the association between EAT volume and MACE. Correlation analyses were performed to explore relationships between EAT volume and myocardial injury markers. In addition, paired t-tests were applied to compare changes in EAT volume over the 6-month follow-up. RESULTS: During a median follow-up of 4.5 years, MACE occurred in 65 patients (12.0%). Patients who experienced MACE had a significantly higher EAT volume (39.6 vs. 33.4 mL, P < 0.001) than those without MACE. EAT volume was an independent predictor of MACE after adjustment for clinical factors (HR = 1.08, 95% CI: 1.02-1.16, P = 0.037) and CMR parameters (HR = 1.04, 95% CI: 1.02-1.07, P < 0.001). EAT volume was significantly correlated with myocardial injury markers, including infarct size (r = 0.15, P = 0.001) and microvascular obstruction (r = 0.15, P = 0.001). EAT volume remained stable at the 6-month follow-up (34.6 vs. 35.6 mL, P = 0.181). CONCLUSIONS: EAT measured non-invasively by CMR is an independent prognostic biomarker for adverse outcomes in STEMI patients. It may serve as a promising imaging marker for risk stratification in this patient population.
No takes yet. Share an insight, caveat, or question.
Wei et al. (2026) conducted a cohort in ST-elevation myocardial infarction (STEMI) (n=540). Epicardial adipose tissue (EAT) volume vs. Lower EAT volume was evaluated on Composite of major adverse cardiovascular events (MACE) including cardiovascular death, non-fatal recurrent myocardial infarction, hospitalization for heart failure, and stroke (HR 1.08, 95% CI 1.02-1.16, p=0.037). Higher epicardial adipose tissue volume assessed by cardiac magnetic resonance independently predicted major adverse cardiovascular events in patients with STEMI (HR 1.08).
Synapse has enriched 5 closely related papers on similar clinical questions. Consider them for comparative context: