INTRODUCTION:Given the impact of cardiovascular conditions on COVID-19 outcomes, there is increasing interest in assessing risk factors like epicardial adipose tissue (EAT). EAT contributes to metabolic syndrome, which worsens cardiovascular health through inflammation and insulin resistance, and triples mortality risk in COVID-19 patients. This study examined the relationship between EAT volume (EATV) and clinical outcomes in severe and critical SARS-CoV-2 pneumonia, hypothesizing that higher EATV would correlate with increased severity and mortality.
METHODS:This multicenter retrospective cohort study of 750 COVID-19 patients with severe or critical pneumonia explored the relationships between EATV, the pulmonary severity index (PSI), the Kirby index, and 30-day in-hospital mortality. Outcomes included Sequential Organ Failure Assessment, Acute Physiology and Chronic Health Evaluation IV, Charlson comorbidity index, Kirby index, PSI, and 30-day in-hospital mortality. This retrospective cohort study evaluates EATV as a prognostic factor for COVID-19 mortality.
RESULTS:EATV was significantly higher in patients with critical pneumonia and was also associated with increased mortality. EATV was the most robust predictor of in-hospital mortality, with a cut-off of 117 cm3 indicating a higher risk.
DISCUSSION:Epicardial adipose tissue volume was linked to increased mortality in patients with severe and critical pneumonia, especially in the third tertile. It was also associated with higher pulmonary severity indices and 30-day in-hospital mortality. Clinicians should consider EATV alongside inflammatory biomarkers to improve patient stratification and potentially enhance outcomes through earlier intervention.