Is Epicardial Adipose Tissue Associated with Atrial Fibrillation Following Cardiac Surgery? A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis.

Background: Although epicardial adipose tissue (EAT) has been proven to be related to atrial fibrillation (AF) and post-ablation AF recurrence, the association between EAT and AF after cardiac surgery (AFACS) remains unclear.

Objective: This study was a systematic review and meta-analysis that assessed the relationship between EAT and AFACS.

Methods: Electronic databases were systematically searched for "atrial fibrillation" and "epicardial adipose tissue." The analysis was stratified according to the EAT measurement into three meta-analyses as (1) total EAT volume, (2) left atrial (LA)-EAT volume, and (3) EAT thickness. Standardized mean difference (SMD) was estimated using a random effects model.

Results: Eight articles with 10 studies (546 patients) were included. The meta-analysis revealed that EAT was higher in those with AFACS irrespective of the EAT measurement (total EAT volume: SMD = 0.56 mL, 95% confidence interval, CI = 0.56-1.10 mL, I2 = 0.90, P = .04; EAT thickness: SMD = 0.85 mm, 95% CI = 0.04-1.65 mm, I2 = 0.90, P = .04; LA-EAT volume: SMD = 0.57 mL, 95% CI = 0.23-0.92 mL, I2 = 0.00, P = .001).

Conclusion: EAT was higher in patients with AFACS, measured either as volume or thickness.