Key result
Greater epicardial adipose tissue thickness predicts NAFLD in obese children with ~98% sensitivity and specificity.
Why the study?
The study aimed to evaluate the relationship between epicardial adipose tissue thickness and hepatic steatosis in pediatric patients with obesity, exploring its potential as a cardiovascular risk biomarker.
Is epicardial adipose tissue thickness associated with hepatic steatosis and early cardiac remodeling in pediatric patients with obesity?
Case-Control (n=98)
Is epicardial adipose tissue thickness associated with hepatic steatosis and early cardiac remodeling in pediatric patients with obesity?
p-value: p=<0.001
Epicardial adipose tissue thickness >1.6 mm is highly predictive of hepatic steatosis in obese children and is associated with early signs of structural cardiac remodeling.
EAT thickness was associated with NAFLD in obese youth; leaves open its value as independent CV risk biomarker.
OBJECTIVES: This study aimed to evaluate the relationship between epicardial adipose tissue (EAT) thickness and hepatic steatosis in pediatric patients with obesity, exploring EAT as a potential biomarker for cardiovascular risk. METHODS: A retrospective analysis was conducted on children with obesity aged 10-18, including 48 patients with non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) and 50 age- and sex-matched controls with no liver steatosis. EAT thickness was measured using echocardiography, and liver fat was assessed via ultrasound. Correlations between EAT, metabolic parameters, and anthropometric measurements were examined. RESULTS: EAT thickness was significantly more excellent in the NAFLD group than in controls (p<0.001), with an optimal cutoff of >1.6 mm predicting hepatic steatosis with 98 % sensitivity and specificity. Positive correlations were found between EAT thickness, body mass index (BMI) Z-scores, and liver steatosis stages. Additionally, structural cardiac changes, such as increased right ventricular diastolic diameter (RVDD) and interventricular septal thickness in diastole (IVSd), were observed in the NAFLD group, suggesting early signs of cardiac remodeling. CONCLUSIONS: EAT thickness may be a non-invasive biomarker for identifying cardiovascular risk in pediatric patients with obesity and NAFLD. Early detection of elevated EAT could guide interventions to reduce obesity-related cardiovascular risk in this population.
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Trabzon et al. (2025) conducted a case-control in Obesity and non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (n=98). Non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) vs. No liver steatosis was evaluated on Epicardial adipose tissue (EAT) thickness (p=<0.001). Epicardial adipose tissue thickness was significantly greater in obese children with NAFLD than controls (p<0.001); a >1.6 mm cutoff predicted hepatic steatosis with 98% sensitivity and specificity.
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