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Cardiovascular Disease from Pathophysiology to Risk Estimation: Is Inflammation Estimated through Perivascular Attenuation on Computed Tomography the Key?

Authors :
Tuttolomondo, Domenico
Niccoli, Giampaolo
Martini, Chiara
D'Ascenzo, Fabrizio
De Filippo, Ovidio
Nicolini, Francesco
Formica, Francesco
Carino, Davide
Gurgoglione, Filippo Luca
Denegri, Andrea
Magnani, Giulia
Vignali, Luigi
De Filippo, Massimo
Sverzellati, Nicola
Ticinesi, Andrea
Bergamaschi, Luca
Pizzi, Carmine
Gherbesi, Elisa
Suma, Sergio
Gaibazzi, Nicola
Source :
Life (2075-1729). Apr2024, Vol. 14 Issue 4, p457. 14p.
Publication Year :
2024

Abstract

(1) Background: Systemic inflammation stands as a well-established risk factor for ischemic cardiovascular disease, as well as a contributing factor in the development of cardiac arrhythmias, notably atrial fibrillation. Furthermore, scientific studies have brought to light the pivotal role of localized vascular inflammation in the initiation, progression, and destabilization of coronary atherosclerotic disease. (2) Methods: We comprehensively review recent, yet robust, scientific evidence elucidating the use of perivascular adipose tissue attenuation measurement on computed tomography applied to key anatomical sites. Specifically, the investigation extends to the internal carotid artery, aorta, left atrium, and coronary arteries. (3) Conclusions: The examination of perivascular adipose tissue attenuation emerges as a non-invasive and indirect means of estimating localized perivascular inflammation. This measure is quantified in Hounsfield units, indicative of the inflammatory response elicited by dense adipose tissue near the vessel or the atrium. Particularly noteworthy is its potential utility in assessing inflammatory processes within the coronary arteries, evaluating coronary microvascular dysfunction, appraising conditions within the aorta and carotid arteries, and discerning inflammatory states within the atria, especially in patients with atrial fibrillation. The widespread applicability of perivascular adipose tissue attenuation measurement underscores its significance as a diagnostic tool with considerable potential for enhancing our understanding and management of cardiovascular diseases. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Details

Language :
English
ISSN :
20751729
Volume :
14
Issue :
4
Database :
Academic Search Index
Journal :
Life (2075-1729)
Publication Type :
Academic Journal
Accession number :
176875958
Full Text :
https://doi.org/10.3390/life14040457