pericoronary adipose tissue
Fat tissue immediately surrounding coronary arteries that may influence local vascular inflammation and atherosclerosis.
Full Definition
Pericoronary adipose tissue (PCAT) refers to the adipose tissue in direct contact with coronary artery walls, representing the most proximate fat depot to coronary atherosclerotic plaques. Unlike broader epicardial adipose tissue measurements, PCAT specifically focuses on fat immediately adjacent to coronary vessels. Recent research suggests PCAT undergoes phenotypic changes in response to coronary inflammation, with alterations in fat attenuation measurable on cardiac CT imaging. Changes in PCAT characteristics may serve as an imaging biomarker for coronary inflammation and plaque vulnerability. PCAT analysis requires specialized imaging protocols and quantitative analysis software to measure fat attenuation values around specific coronary segments.
Usage
Usage note: PCAT abbreviation acceptable after first use; distinguish from broader epicardial fat measurements.
In Context
- "Cardiac CT analysis revealed increased pericoronary adipose tissue attenuation around the proximal LAD segment." — Advanced cardiac imaging report
- "Pericoronary adipose tissue changes correlated with markers of systemic inflammation in this patient cohort." — Research study findings