Periaortic adipose tissue volume is associated with sclerotic changes in the adjacent aortic valve

Aortic sclerosis is associated with increased cardiovascular mortality and morbidity. Numerous studies have shown that visceral adiposity is associated with development of atherosclerosis, especially in the adjacent vascular wall. Considering the similar pathophysiology of aortic sclerosis and atherosclerosis, it can be hypothesized that visceral adipose tissue adjacent to aortic valve may be associated with aortic sclerosis. In this study, we investigated the relationship between periaortic adipose tissue volume and sclerotic changes in the adjacent aortic valve. In this retrospective study, 80 patients with a concurrent MSCT and echocardiography in the last 6 months were enrolled. Echocardiographic examinations were retrospectively evaluated regarding the presence of aortic sclerosis. Periaortic adipose tissue volume was calculated on a computer assisted work station (Leonardo Workstation, Siemens, Erlangen, Germany) by an experienced radiologist. Patient group (61.63 ± 8.55 years and 50% male) and the control group (61.45 ± 5.68 years, 50% male) each consisted 40 participants. Patient group had significantly higher BUN (42.50 (15.00−211.00) vs. 34.00 (12.00−107.00) mg/dL, p = 0.003), uric acid (5.40 (3.40−14.70) vs. 4.30 (2.30−6.70) ng/mL, p = 0.005) and LDL-C levels (121.50 (60.00−215.00) vs. 86.50 (49.00−209.00) mg/dL, p = 0.001) when compared to control group. Patient group had also significantly higher periaortic adipose tissue volume (32.45 (11.70−51.23) vs. 16.00 (6.29−32.96) ml, p < 0.001). Multivariate regression analysis revealed that periaortic adipose tissue volume was independently associated with the presence of aortic sclerosis (OR 0.241, 95% CI 0.143–0.946, p = 0.001). In this study, we demonstrated for the first time that periaortic adipose tissue volume was independently associated with the presence of sclerotic changes in the adjacent aortic valve.