Abstract Background: Inflammation, which is associated with an unhealthy lifestyle, plays a critical role in the development of both cardiometabolic diseases (CMD) and cancer. Carcinoembryonic antigen (CEA) is a tumor marker which also has proinflammatory properties. Recent studies have reported CEA to be associated with atherosclerosis, metabolic syndrome, and visceral adiposity. Epicardial adipose tissue (EAT) can exhibit highly inflammatory and pathogenic properties, and is a known risk factor for CMD. However, its relationship with CEA is still unknown. Objectives: This […]

Abstract Background: Although electrical and structural remodeling has been recognized to be important in the pathophysiology of atrial fibrillation, the mechanisms underlying remodeling process are unknown. There has been increasing interest in the involvement of inflammatory molecules and adipokines released from the epicardial fat tissue in the pathophysiology of atrial fibrillation. Objectives: In our study, we aimed to investigate the relationship of atrial fibrillation with increased epicardial adipose tissue, inflammatory molecules released from this tissue and omentin. Methods: Thirty-six patients […]

Abstract Background: Pericardial effusion is a relatively common finding and can progress to cardiac tamponade; etiological diagnosis is important for guiding treatment decisions. With advances in medicine and improvement in the social context, the most frequent etiological causes have changed. Objectives: To evaluate the clinical and laboratory characteristics, etiology, and clinical course of patients with pericardial effusion and cardiac tamponade. Materials and methods: Patients with pericardial effusion classified as small (< 10 mm), moderate (between 10-20 mm), or severe (> […]

This issue of the International Journal of Cardiovascular Sciences presents a paper by Castanheira et al. that addresses epicardial fat (EF) thickness in an elderly Portuguese population. They describe the mean values of EF thickness and its correlation with anthropometric, echocardiographic, and clinical variables in these individuals. EF is the visceral adipose tissue located between the myocardium and the visceral pericardium, and commonly found in the atrioventricular and interventricular grooves. EF has several physiological roles, including local effects on the […]

Introdução A Necrose da Gordura Epipericárdica (EPFN, do inglês epipericardial fat necrosis) é uma condição rara, benigna e autolimitada, descrita pela primeira vez em 1957 por Jackson et al. Atualmente há somente 33 casos descritos na literatura.– A fisiopatologia da doença permanece incerta. Prováveis fatores predisponentes incluem a torção do pedículo vascular do tecido adiposo, alterações estruturais que deixam o tecido mais vulnerável e a obesidade, que, assim como a manobra de Valsalva, pode levar ao aumento da pressão dos […]