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Cancer research

Sex-Specific Prognostic Value of Automated Epicardial Adipose Tissue Quantification On Serial Lung Cancer Screening Chest Computed Tomography

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— 1 min read

A recent study published in the European Heart Journal - Cardiovascular Imaging has shed light on the sex-specific prognostic value of automated epicardial adipose tissue quantification on serial lung cancer screening chest computed tomography. The research, conducted by investigators from Massachusetts General Hospital, analyzed data from 24,008 heavy-smoking participants from the National Lung Screening Trial (NLST). The study found that women, who were younger and had fewer cardiovascular risk factors, showed a significant association between epicardial adipose tissue (EAT) and all-cause and cardiovascular mortality. The findings suggest that routine EAT quantification on chest CT may provide improved sex-specific cardiovascular risk stratification.

Key Takeaways:

  • The study analyzed data from 24,008 heavy-smoking participants from the National Lung Screening Trial (NLST).
  • Women, who were younger and had fewer cardiovascular risk factors, showed a significant association between EAT and all-cause and cardiovascular mortality.
  • The findings suggest that routine EAT quantification on chest CT may provide improved sex-specific cardiovascular risk stratification.
  • The study used a validated automated deep-learning algorithm to analyze baseline and 2-year changes in EAT volume and density.
  • The study controlled for cardiovascular risk factors, body mass index (BMI), and coronary artery calcium (CAC) to assess the associations between EAT and mortality.
  • The median follow-up was 12.3 years, with 4668 (19.4%) all-cause deaths and 1083 (4.5%) cardiovascular deaths.

Statistics:

  • 24,008 participants from the National Lung Screening Trial (NLST) were analyzed in the study.
  • Women (41%) were younger than men, with fewer cardiovascular risk factors, lower BMI, fewer pack-years, and lower CAC (all P
  • 4668 (19.4%) participants experienced all-cause deaths, and 1083 (4.5%) experienced cardiovascular deaths.
  • The median follow-up was 12.3 years.

Sources:

  • NewsRx. Findings from Massachusetts General Hospital Broaden Understanding of Lung Cancer (Sex-specific Prognostic Value of Automated Epicardial Adipose Tissue Quantification On Serial Lung Cancer Screening Chest Computed Tomography). Cancer Weekly. October 14, 2025; p 1163.
  • Sex-specific Prognostic Value of Automated Epicardial Adipose Tissue Quantification On Serial Lung Cancer Screening Chest Computed Tomography. European Heart Journal - Cardiovascular Imaging, 2025.

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