RSNA 2011 

Abstract Archives of the RSNA, 2011


SSE04-06

Sustained Improvements in Left Ventricular Diastolic Function Induced by Weight Loss Are Associated with a Decrease in Pericardial Fat Content in Patients with Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus

Scientific Formal (Paper) Presentations

Presented on November 28, 2011
Presented as part of SSE04: Cardiac (Cardiomyopathy)

Participants

Sebastiaan Hammer MD, PhD, Presenter: Nothing to Disclose
Jacqueline Jonker MD, Abstract Co-Author: Nothing to Disclose
Marieke Snel MD, Abstract Co-Author: Nothing to Disclose
Rutger W. Van Der Meer MD, Abstract Co-Author: Nothing to Disclose
Johannes A. Romijn MD, PhD, Abstract Co-Author: Nothing to Disclose
Jan W. A. Smit MD, PhD, Abstract Co-Author: Nothing to Disclose
Albert De Roos MD, Abstract Co-Author: Nothing to Disclose
Hildo J. Lamb PhD, Abstract Co-Author: Nothing to Disclose

PURPOSE

Pericardial fat is a specialized visceral fat compartment and it may be detrimental for cardiac function, especially in patients with metabolic disease. The purpose of the present study was to assess the long-term effects initial weight loss induced by caloric restriction on pericardial fat content and cardiac function in patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM).

METHOD AND MATERIALS

Measures were performed in 15 patients with T2DM before and after 4 months of caloric restriction using cardiovascular magnetic resonance imaging (MRI). Measures were repeated after an additional period of 14 months with a normal dietary pattern. Pericardial fat was quantified on 4-chamber images acquired with a turbo-field echo sequence. Left ventricular diastolic function was measured using velocity mapping, early (E) and atrial (A) filling phase (E/A ratio) was quantified. Systolic parameters were quantified on standard short-axis cine images.

RESULTS

Caloric restriction resulted in a decrease in body mass index (BMI) from 35.3 ± 1.1 at baseline, to 27.5 ± 1.1. After an additional 14 months of follow-up on a regular diet, BMI increased to 31.7 ± 1.1 (P< 0.05). Pericardial fat decreased from 39 ± 4 ml to 31 ± 2 ml after weight loss. However, despite weight gain after 14 months, pericardial fat remained lower compared to baseline, 32 ± 2 ml (P < 0.05 compared to baseline). Concomitantly, E/A ratio increased from 0.96 ± 0.07 to 1.2 ± 0.06 after weight loss and to 1.06 ± 0.07 after an additional 14 months P < 0.05 vs. baseline)). No changes in systolic function were observed.

CONCLUSION

Sustained improvements in LV diastolic function are associated with a decrease in pericardial fat content in patients with T2DM treated with caloric restriction.

CLINICAL RELEVANCE/APPLICATION

Pericardial fat content may be a novel marker for cardiac risk assessment in patients with T2DM. Its clinical applicability is promising, as it can be quantified using standard cine MR and CT.

Cite This Abstract

Hammer, S, Jonker, J, Snel, M, Van Der Meer, R, Romijn, J, Smit, J, De Roos, A, Lamb, H, Sustained Improvements in Left Ventricular Diastolic Function Induced by Weight Loss Are Associated with a Decrease in Pericardial Fat Content in Patients with Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus.  Radiological Society of North America 2011 Scientific Assembly and Annual Meeting, November 26 - December 2, 2011 ,Chicago IL. http://archive.rsna.org/2011/11007761.html