Atherogenic index of plasma is associated with epicardial adipose tissue volume assessed on coronary computed tomography angiography

The atherogenic index of plasma (AIP) is a novel biomarker of atherogenic dyslipidaemia (AD), but its relationship with cardiac adipose tissue depots is unknown. We aimed to assess the association of AD with cardiac adipose tissue parameters on coronary computed tomography angiography (CCTA). We studied 161 patients who underwent CCTA between 2008 and 2011 (age 59.0 +/- 14.0 years). AD was defined as triglyceride (TG) > 1.7 mmol/L and HDL < 1.0 mmol/L (n = 34). AIP was defined as the base 10 logarithmic ratio of TG to HDL. Plaque burden was assessed using the CT-Leaman score (CT-LeSc). We studied volume and attenuation of epicardial adipose tissue (EAT-v and EAT-a) and pericoronary adipose tissue (PCAT-v and PCAT-a) on CCTA using semi-automated software. Patients with AD had higher PCAT-v (p = 0.042) and EAT-v (p = 0.041). AIP was associated with EAT-v (p = 0.006), type II diabetes (p = 0.009) and male sex (p < 0.001) and correlated with CT-LeSc (p = 0.040). On multivariable analysis, AIP was associated with EAT-v >= 52.3 cm(3), age, male sex and type II diabetes when corrected for traditional risk factors and plaque burden. AIP is associated with increased EAT volume, but not PCAT-a, after multivariable adjustment. These findings indicate AIP is associated with adverse adipose tissue changes which may increase coronary risk.

Automated summary

This study found an association between atherogenic dyslipidaemia and cardiac adipose tissue parameters, particularly an increased volume of epicardial adipose tissue, in patients with coronary artery disease. Atherogenic index of plasma was also associated with type II diabetes, male sex, and coronary artery calcification. These findings suggest that atherogenic dyslipidaemia may contribute to adverse changes in adipose tissue, increasing the risk of coronary artery disease.