Older people with HIV had greater epicardial adipose tissue (EAT) volume than HIVnegative cohorts, according to results published in AIDS. Anchalee Avihingsanon, PhD, and colleagues compared EAT volume and related factors in adults with HIV aged 50 and older with those of matched controls. They performed non-contrast cardiac CT scans to examine coronary artery calcium (CAC) scores and EAT. Across the study cohort (median age, 55; 63% men), median EAT volume was significantly higher in those with HIV (99 cm3; interquartile range [IQR], 75-122 cm3 ) than in HIV-negative individuals (93 cm3 ; IQR, 69-117 cm3 ). In an adjusted model, factors related to EAT volume included male sex, older age, and abnormal waist circumference. Greater CAC score was independently related to EAT volume. Higher mean EAT volume was observed for people with HIV and severe liver steatosis (P=0.018). An adjusted model of only patients with HIV showed that HIV duration was significantly associated with higher EAT volume.
