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. 2014 Jan;102(1):10–18. doi: 10.5935/abc.20130225

Assessment of the Relationship between Non-Alcoholic Fatty Liver Disease and CAD using MSCT

Duran Efe 1, Fatih Aygün 2,✉
PMCID: PMC3987385  PMID: 24263777

Abstract

Background

Some risk factors for atherosclerosis are followed by non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD). We wanted to use Multislice computed tomography (MSCT) as technique for searching relationship between NAFLD and coronary artery disease (CAD).

Objective

The relationship between NAFLD and CAD was investigated using MSCT.

Methods

A total of 372 individuals with or without cardiac symptoms who had undergone MSCT angiography were included in the study. The patients were divided into two groups according to the presence of NAFLD. Coronary artery segments were visually evaluated via MSCT angiography. Based on the coronary artery stenosis degree, those with no or minimal plaques were considered normal, whereas those who had stenosis of less than 50% and at least one plaque were considered to have non-obstructive coronary artery disease (non-obsCAD). The patients who had at least one plaque and coronary artery stenosis of 50% or more were considered to have obstructive coronary artery disease (obsCAD). NAFLD was determined according to the MSCT protocol, using the liver density.

Results

According to the liver density, the number of patients with non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (group 1) was 204 (149 males, 54.8%) and with normal liver (group 2) was 168 (95 males, 45.2%). There were 50 (24.5%) non-obsCAD and 57 (27.9%) obsCAD cases in Group 1, and 39 (23.2%) non-obsCAD and 23 (13.7%) obsCAD cases in Group 2.

Conclusions

The present study using MSCT demonstrated that the frequency of coronary artery disease in patients with NAFDL was significantly higher than that of patients without NAFDL.

Keywords: Fatty Liver, Hepatitis

Introduction

Today, non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) is considered as the most common chronic liver disease in Western populations1,2. Since the cases are generally asymptomatic, the true prevalence of NAFLD is unknown. Hepatic enzymes are within normal ranges in 70% of the patients. Adult screening studies found the prevalence of NAFLD to be 10%-15% in normal-weight individuals, but 70%-80% in obese people3,4. NAFLD comprises a wide spectrum of hepatic damage ranging from simple steatosis and steatohepatitis to advanced fibrosis and cirrhosis3. Risk factors for atherosclerosis including hypertension, obesity, diabetes, metabolic syndrome, dyslipidemia and insulin resistance, accompany NAFLD5-8.

Computed tomography (CT) is the right modality for detecting fatty liver disease9. The attenuation value differences between liver and spleen are used for hepatosteatosis diagnosis. The mean liver attenuation value minus the mean spleen attenuation value presenting a difference of ≤ 10 Hounsfield Units indicates hepatosteatosis9,10.

Multislice computed tomography (MSCT) coronary angiography is considered a non-invasive modality for the detection and classification of coronary artery disease (CAD)11,12.

The present study investigated the relation between CAD and non-alcoholic fatty liver disease using MSCT angiography protocol.

Methods

Patients' Clinical Characteristics

The present study comprises 372 patients with or without cardiac symptoms, who underwent MSCT angiography in our clinic between January 2008 and September 2012. Data were collected retrospectively and the ethical committee approval was obtained.

Study groups included individuals who did not consume alcohol or had an alcohol consumption of less than 20 g/day ethanol. People with positive serology for hepatitis B or C or who had a history of chronic liver disease were excluded from the study.

Dyslipidemia was defined as a fasting serum triglyceride level ≥ 150 mg/dl, low-density lipoprotein (LDL) cholesterol level ≥ 140 mg/dl, and/or high-density lipoprotein (HDL) cholesterol level < 40 mg/dl, and those receiving or not active medical treatment for this13.

Before CT scan, the height (Human weighing machine, NAN TARTI AŞ, Turkey) and body weight (TANITA Body Composition Analyzer, TANITA Corporation, Japan) of the participants were measured, and their body mass indexes (BMI) were calculated. Those with a BMI lower than 25 kilogram (kg)/square meter (m2) (BMI<25 kg/m2) were considered normal-weight, those with a BMI between 25 and 30 kg/m2 (25 kg/m2 ≤ BMI < 30 kg/m2) were considered over-weight, and those with a BMI ≥ 30 kg/m2 (30 kg/m2 ≤ BMI) were considered obese.

MSCT Image Reconstruction and CAD evaluation

MSCT angiography was performed via tomography device Somatom Sensation 64 (Siemens, Forchheim, Germany). The acquisition parameters were a gantry rotation time of 330 milliseconds, tube voltage of 120 kilowatt, 250 milliamps (mAs), and detector collimation of 0.6 millimeter. Scans were obtained within a breath-hold in approximately 8.4-13.1 seconds in the craniocaudal direction from the level of the carina to the subcostal level. During MSCT angiography scanning, 80-to-110 milliliters (ml) of non-ionic contrast agent (Iomeron 400, Bracco s.p.a., Milan, Italy), depending on the patient's body weight, was given through an antecubital vein at a rate of 5.0 milliliter (ml)/second (s) followed by a bolus administration of 40 ml of normal saline. Automatic peak contrast intensity in the ascending aorta was determined to be +140 Hounsfield units. The images were reconstructed using a retrospective electrocardiographic gating technique (with a slice thickness of 0.6 mm and a reconstruction index of 0.6 mm). Multiplanar and three-dimensional volume rendering images were created from thin axial sections, and coronary artery anatomy was studied.

All coronary artery segments were visually examined. Among the study participants, those with no or minimal plaques were considered normal (Figure 1), those with stenosis less than 50% and which had at least one plaque were considered to have non-obstructive coronary artery disease (non-obsCAD) (Figures 2a and 2b), and those with at least one plaque and coronary artery stenosis ≥50% were considered to have obstructive coronary artery disease (Figures 3a and 3b). MSCT coronary angiography examinations were performed by radiologists, cardiovascular surgeons and cardiologists.

Figure 1.

Figure 1

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3-D reconstruction image are showing normal coronary arteries (RCA: right coronary artery; Cx: circumflex coronary artery; LAD: left anterior descending artery).

Figure 2.

Figure 2

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A) Multiplanar reconstruction image is showing mild stenotic calcified coronary plaques at proximal area of RCA(arrows) (RCA: right coronary artery). B) 3-D reconstruction image are showing mild stenotic calcified coronary plaques at proximal area of RCA(arrows) (RCA: right coronary artery)

Figure 3.

Figure 3

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A) Multiplanar reconstruction image is showing total vessel occlusion of the right coronary artery due to diffuse soft plaque (arrows). B) 3-D reconstruction image is showing considerable atherosclerosis with diffuse calcifications of LAD and Cx (arrows)(LAD: the left anterior descending artery; Cx: circumflex coronary artery)

Assessment of NAFLD

Most individuals with NAFLD have no symptoms and signs of liver disease. Hepatomegaly may be the unique physical finding. The most common laboratory abnormality is mild-to-moderate elevation in serum hepatic enzyme levels. The diagnosis of NAFLD is made based on proven fatty infiltration in the liver of the individuals without chronic liver disease (primary or secondary) and without alcohol consumption. Although abdominal ultrasonography is the most commonly used modality, the present study used the non-contrasted images of the liver obtained by MSCT angiography scanning protocol.

The individuals, whose non-contrast CT scans in the MSCT angiography protocol involved the level between the carina and subcostal plane, were included in the study. Densities of the liver and spleen were measured (Figure 4). Individuals with hepatic density lesser than spleen density by 10 HU or higher were named as Group 1. The other study participants without hepatosteatosis were considered to have normal livers and they were named as Group 2. Hepatic and splenic density measurement was done by drawing circular region of interests (ROIs) on three axial slices, and the mean values were recorded. Vascular and biliary structures were avoided while drawing the ROIs (Figure 4).

Figure 4.

Figure 4

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Diffuse fat deposition in the liver (non-contrast CT section). Liver density is 37 HU and spleen density is 68 HU.

Statistical Analysis

Statistical analysis was done using the SPSS software version (SPSS Inc., Chicago, IL, USA). The comparison of nonparametric data between the groups was performed with the Pearson's Chi-square analysis. Parametric data were presented as minimum, maximum, and mean ± standard deviation. The comparison of parametric data between the groups was performed with the independent student t-test. Results were considered statistically significant if the two-tailed p value was lower than 0.01 (p < 0.01) (Table 1). Different characteristics between the groups including age, gender, dyslipidemia, smoking were subjected to Binary Logistic Regression Analysis. Results were considered statistically significant if the two-tailed p value was lower than 0.01 (p < 0.01) (Table 2).

Table 1.

Data and statistical results about groups

  Group 1 (n = 204) Group 2 (n = 168) p value
Age (±SD) 50,8 ± 10,9 48,09 ± 11,5 0,018¥
Gender (male) 149 (% 73) 95 (% 56,5) 0,001§
Hepatic density (HU) 43,7 ± 9 62,2 ± 5,2 0¥
Diabetes
Nondiabetic 130 (% 63,7) 124 (% 73,8) 0,112§
Oral a/d 54 (% 26,5) 33 (% 19,8)
Parenteral a/d 20 (% 9,4) 11 (% 6,5)
Dyslipidemia 161 (% 78,9) 108 (% 64,3) 0,002§
Hypertension 125 (% 61,3) 94 (% 56) 0,323§
Smoking 96 (% 47,1) 56 (% 33,3) 0,007§
Alcohol consumption ≥ 20 g/day (± SD) - - -
Body weight
Excessive weight 61 (% 29,9) 39 (% 23,2) 0§
Obesity 104 (% 51) 34 (% 20,2)
CAD disease
Non-obs CAD 50 (% 24,5) 39 (% 23,2) 0,002§
Obs CAD 57 (% 27,9) 23 (% 13,7)
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¥

P value was presented as a result of Student t-test.

§

P value was presented as a result of Pearson Chi-square test. SD: Standart deviation; HU: Haunsfiled Unit; a/d: Antidiabetic agent; CAD: Coronary artery disease; non-obs: Non-obstructive; obs: Obstructive.

Table 2.

Statistical effect of different characteristics in groups

  Unadjusted OR %95 CI p value Adjusted OR %95 CI p value
Age (± SD) 1,082 1,039-1,127 0,000 1,065 1,029-1,101 0,000
Gender 2,498 0,972-6,425 0,057 - - -
Dyslipidemia 0,111 0,035-0,355 0,000 0,121 0,039-0,377 0,000
Smoking 1,883 0,840-4,223 0,125 - - -
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OR: Odds Ratio; SD: Standart deviation.

Results

According to hepatic density measurements of the 372 individuals participated in the study, 204 (149 males, 54.8%) had non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (Group 1) whereas 168 (95 males, 45.2%) were normal (Group 2). The present study found that the difference between the prevalence of coronary artery disease found in the group with NAFLD and in the group with normal liver tissue was statistically significant.

All subjects were examined for coronary artery disease including smoking, hypertension, diabetes mellitus, dyslipidemia, and familial coronary artery disease. The age distribution of the participants ranged between 24 and 74 years (y) (mean ± standard deviation 49.6 ± 11.2 y). Of these, 244 (65.6%) were male and 128 (34.4%) were female. The mean attenuation value of the liver parenchyma was measured to be 52 ± 11.9 HU (range, 14-75). While the number of patients with hypertension (HT) was 102 (27.4%), the number of patients with dyslipidemia was 131 (35.2%). Among the participants, 239 (64.2%) had not diabetes mellitus (DM), the number of those receiving an antidiabetic agent was 133 (35.8%); 96 (25.8%) of them were receiving an oral antidiabetic agent and 37 (9.9%) of them were receiving a parenteral antidiabetic agent. There were 152 (40.9%) active smokers and 220 (59.1%) nonsmokers. Based on BMI, 96 (25%) patients were normal-weight, 149 (40.1%) were over-weight and 127 (34.1%) were obese. Fatty liver disease was detected in 168 (45.2%) of study participants. Number of patients with normal liver was 204 (54.8%). (Table 3)

Table 3.

Data about study participants

       All participants ( n = 372)
Age (± SD)   49.6 ± 11,2 years( range 24-74 years)
Gender (male)   244 (65,6%)
Hepatic density (HU)   52 ± 11.9 HU (range, 14-75 HU)
Diabetes
Nondiabetic   239 (64.2%)
Oral a/d   96 (25.8%)
parenteral a/d   37 (9.9%)
Dyslipidemia   131 (35,2%)
Hypertension   102 (27,4%)
Smoking ( active smokers)   152 (40,9%)
Alcohol consumption ≥ 20 g/day (± SD)   -
Body weight
Excessive weight   149 (40.1%)
Obesity   127 (34.1%)
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¥: P value was presented as a result of Student t-test. §: P value was presented as a result of Pearson Chi-square test. SD: Standart deviation; HU: Haunsfiled Unit; a/d: Antidiabetic agent.

The mean liver density was 43 ± 9.1 HU (range 14-56) in males, and 45.5 ± 8.4 HU (range 31-58) in females of Group 1. The corresponding figures were 61.8 ± 4.7 HU (range, 56-75), and 62.6 ± 5.7 HU (range, 54-74) in the males and females of Group 2, respectively. Mean liver densities of the groups according to their ages are demonstrated in Figure 5.

Figure 5.

Figure 5

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Mean hepatic density according to ages

Evaluation of the coronary arteries of the study participants revealed that 203 of them (107 males, 52.7%) had normal coronary arteries, 89 (69 males, 77.5%) had non-obsCAD, and 80 (68 males, 21.5%) had obsCAD.

The number of males without coronary artery disease was 62 (41.6%), those with non-obsCAD was 42 (28.2%), and those with obsCAD was 45 (30.2%) in Group 1. The number of females without coronary artery disease was 35 (63.6%), with non-obsCAD was 8 (14.5%), and with obsCAD was 12 (21.8%).

In Group 2, there were 45 (47.4%) males without coronary artery disease, 27 (28.4%) males with non-obsCAD, and 23 (24.2%) males with obsCAD. The number of females without coronary artery disease was 61 (83.6%), with non-obsCAD was 12 (16.4%), and with obsCAD was 0 in Group 2.

Individuals in Group 1 were older and dyslipidemic more than Group 2. In additionaly, Group 1 has more males and smokers than the Group 2. These characteristics of persons affected on obsCAD were evaluated with Binary Logistic Regresion Analysis in Table 3. Age and dyslipidemia affected on obsCAD were considered statistical significant (p < 0.01).

Discussion

MSCT coronary angiography is an important method for detecting CAD in the early stage. A study which compared MSCT angiography and invasive coronary angiography for the evaluation of coronary arteries and coronary artery segments larger than 1.5 mm found the sensitivity of MSCT angiography to be 94% and specificity to be 97%14. Besides, CT is also used for the diagnosis of hepatic steatosis. Sensitivity and specificity of CT for the diagnosis of hepatic steatosis is 82% and 100%, respectively9. The present study used the hepatic CT images used in the MSCT angiography scanning protocol.

Based on MSCT, the present study found that coronary artery disease prevalence in patients with NAFLD was significantly higher than that of those with normal liver tissue (p < 0.01). Statistical comparison between the two groups is presented in Table 2.

Studies from other countries reported that NAFLD was more common among females15,16. However, a study from Turkey found the frequency of non-alcoholic hepatic steatosis to be lower in females (32.7%)17. Some prevalence studies verified the diagnosis of NAFLD in 76% of 146 liver biopsy samples obtained from obese patients that underwent bariatric surgery; a smaller-scale study in Turkey, however, reported the prevalence of NAFLD to be 72% among obese patients18,19.

A gradually increasing number of studies indicate NAFLD as the hepatic manifestation of metabolic syndrome20,21. Although metabolic syndrome is a well-known precursor of CAD22-24, the association between NAFLD and CAD remains unclear.

There are studies demonstrating that proinflammatory cytokines including tumor necrosis factor alpha (TNF-α), C reactive protein (CRP) and plasminogen activator inhibitor I (PAI-I) have been increased in patients with both NAFLD and CAD25. It has been emphasized that the increase in proinflammatory markers enhances future CAD events25. It has been also highlighted that this might independ from metabolic syndrome and related risk factors. Some studies conducted in insulin users demonstrated that insulin resistance is a predictor for CAD events and plays an important role in the development of unfavorable clinical outcomes for NAFLD patients26,27.

Association between NAFLD, from simple steatosis to advanced form of NAFLD, and high risk of CAD has been attributed to increased oxidative stress and subclinical inflammation26,28,29.

A study conducted by Perseghin stated that NAFLD was characterized by the appearance of early metabolic and vascular pathological changes of atherosclerosis. However, despite all these findings, it has been emphasized that the evidences indicating the association between NAFLD and CAD are weak30.

Although the close association between NAFLD and CAD has not been clarified yet, fat deposition in NAFLD is considered to increase free fatty acids that lead to CAD by causing low-grade inflammation31. The presence of NAFLD in patients with type 2 diabetes has suggested NAFLD as a strong predictor for CAD32.

Brea et al33 found an association between NAFLD and carotid atherosclerosis. Targher et al34 suggested a relation between NAFLD and carotid artery wall thickness in type 2 diabetes mellitus patients controlled with diet. Lin et al35 stated that NAFLD was an independent risk factor for ischemic CAD.

Study Limitations

While measuring the liver density of some cases, the optimal selection of appropriate hepatic regions not including vascular and biliary structures has not been possible due to inadequate spatial resolution. During MSCT coronary angiography, we had occasional difficulties in detecting the stenosis degree in massive calcified plaques. Moreover, there have been difficulties in differentiating probable coronary artery soft plaques from the respiratory artifacts on the images of the cases with respiratory distress.

Conclusion

Based on MSCT, the present study found that the difference between the prevalence of coronary artery disease found in the group with NAFLD and in the group with normal liver tissue was statistically significant.

We can say that the likelihood of CAD in individuals with hepatosteatosis not consuming or consuming less than 20 g/day of alcohol is higher than in the individuals without hepatosteatosis.

We think that this hypothesis should be verified with larger studies.

Acknowledgments

We thank Assoc. Prof. Ismail Keskin*, PhD for his contributions to the evaluation of results and statistical analysis.

*Selçuk University, Zootechnics Division, Department of Biometry and Genetics, Konya, TURKEY.

Footnotes

Author contributions

Conception and design of the research, Acquisition of data, Analysis and interpretation of the data: Efe D. Statistical analysis, Writing of the manuscript, Critical revision of the manuscript for intellectual content: Aygün F.

Study Association

This study is not associated with any post-graduation program.

Sources of Funding

There were no external funding sources for this study.

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