Increased epicardial fat thickness in Type 2 diabetes patients negatively correlated with left atrial reservoir strain (r = -0.341, P = 0.034) and conduit strain (r = -0.322, P = 0.046).
Case-Control (n=78)
No
Is increased epicardial fat thickness associated with impaired left atrial strain in patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus?
Increased epicardial fat thickness in type 2 diabetes is associated with impaired left atrial strain, indicating early subclinical atrial dysfunction before structural remodeling occurs.
Effect estimate: r = -0.341
p-value: p=0.034
Abstract Background: Type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) is linked to early myocardial dysfunction, particularly diastolic impairment and atrial remodeling. Epicardial adipose tissue may contribute to subclinical cardiac dysfunction through mechanical and inflammatory effects. This study evaluated the relationship between epicardial fat thickness (EFT) and left atrial (LA) strain measured by speckle-tracking echocardiography in patients with T2DM compared with non-diabetic controls. Methods: This case–control study at Menoufia University Hospitals included 78 participants equally divided into two groups: 39 healthy controls and 39 patients with T2DM diagnosed according to the American Diabetes Association criteria. Participants underwent clinical evaluation, laboratory investigations, conventional echocardiography, Doppler assessment, and speckle-tracking echocardiography to measure LA reservoir (LASr), conduit (LAScd), and contractile (LASct) strain. EFT was measured from the parasternal long-axis view. Results: Patients with T2DM had higher body mass index, waist circumference, fasting glucose, glycosylated hemoglobin, and lipid levels than controls ( P < 0.05). Left ventricular ejection fraction was similar between groups. However, diastolic parameters were impaired in the diabetic group, with lower E/A ratio and e′ velocities and higher E/e′ ratio ( P < 0.001). EFT was greater in T2DM patients ( P < 0.001). LASr, LAScd, and LASct strain values were reduced ( P < 0.001). EFT correlated negatively with LASr ( r = −0.341, P = 0.034) and LAScd ( r = −0.322, P = 0.046). Conclusion: Increased EFT in T2DM is associated with impaired LA strain, suggesting early atrial dysfunction before structural remodeling.
Kenawy et al. (2026) conducted a case-control in Type 2 diabetes mellitus (n=78). Type 2 diabetes mellitus vs. Healthy controls was evaluated on Correlation between epicardial fat thickness and left atrial reservoir strain (r = -0.341, p=0.034). Increased epicardial fat thickness in Type 2 diabetes patients negatively correlated with left atrial reservoir strain (r = -0.341, P = 0.034) and conduit strain (r = -0.322, P = 0.046).