Association between Non-alcoholic Fatty Liver and Coronary Artery Calcification

Strategic Insights -

Research conducted by Tanta University's Department of Radiodiagnosis and Medical Imaging has revealed a significant association between non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) and coronary artery calcification. The study, involving 404 adult patients referred to cardiovascular screening or coronary artery disease (CAD) risk evaluation between January 2022 and December 2023, found that patients with detectable coronary artery calcification had significantly higher body mass index (BMI) and hepatic fat accumulation compared to those without calcification.

Key Takeaways:

  • The study demonstrated a strong association between coronary artery calcification and hepatic fat accumulation in patients with elevated BMI and metabolic risk profiles.
  • Non-contrast CT scans may serve a dual role in evaluating both CAD risk and NAFLD.
  • The research involved 404 adult patients referred to cardiovascular screening or CAD risk evaluation between January 2022 and December 2023.
  • Patients were stratified into two groups based on the presence of coronary artery calcification (CAC vs. non-CAC).
  • Hepatic steatosis was assessed through unenhanced CT attenuation values and liver-to-spleen attenuation ratios.
  • Clinical variables including BMI, diabetes, hypertension, and lipid profile were also evaluated.
  • CAC scores were computed using the Agatston method.

Statistics:

  • 236 out of 404 patients had detectable CAC.
  • Patients with CAC had a median BMI of 27.5 kg/m², significantly higher than those without CAC (25.05 kg/m²; p < 0.001).
  • The study found a strong association between CAC and hepatic fat accumulation in patients with elevated BMI and metabolic risk profiles.

Sources:

  • Association between Non-alcoholic Fatty Liver and Coronary Artery Calcification Using CT Coronary Calcium Score Scan. SVU - International Journal of Medical Sciences, 2025, 8(2):259-269.
  • South Valley University, Faculty of Medicine, publisher of SVU - International Journal of Medical Sciences.
  • NewsRx. Study Findings from Tanta University Broaden Understanding of Alcoholic Fatty Liver (Association between Non-alcoholic Fatty Liver and Coronary Artery Calcification Using CT Coronary Calcium Score Scan). Cardiovascular Week. October 20, 2025; p 178.