Prognostic implications of epicardial fat volume quantification in acute pericarditis

What is it about?

This is the first clinical evidence for a relationship between epicardial fat and acute pericarditis. In a cohort of 50 patients with acute pericarditis that were followed up prospectively for 18 months we demonstrate that epicardial fat volume was an independent predictor for the pericarditis recurrence.

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Why is it important?

The study's findings are important since this is the first clinical evidence for an association between epicardial fat and acute pericarditis. Our findings introduce the concept that non-invasive imaging of epicardial fat could be used as a biomarker for the risk stratification of patients with acute pericarditis.