Correlation Between NAFLD, Epicardial Adipose Tissue and Vascular Inflammation Measured by Positron Emission Tomography (PET) With 18F-fluoro-deoxyglucose (FDG)

• Vascular inflammation is a key factor in both the pathogenesis and outcome of atherosclerosis. 18F-fluorodeoxyglucose (FDG) positron emission tomography (PET) is a promising tool for identifying and quantifying vascular inflammation within atherosclerotic plaques.
• Non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) is closely associated with many cardiometabolic risk factors. NAFLD can be detected by measuring liver fat accumulation using computed tomography (CT).
• Also epicardial adipose tissue (EAT) volume as determined by computed tomography (CT) is an independent marker of cardiovascular events in the general population.
• Therefore, the purpose of this investigators study is to compare the NAFLD severity and EAT volume with FDG uptake measured by PET/CT.

Inclusion Criteria:

• Healthy patients for visiting routine medical check in our clinic

Exclusion Criteria:

• History of cardiovascular disease (myocardial infarction, unstable angina, stroke, or cardiovascular revascularization)
• Diabetes
• Stage 2 hypertension (resting blood pressure, ≥ 160/100 mmHg)
• Malignancy
• Severe renal or hepatic disease
• Subjects taking medications that might affect inflammation such as nonsteroidal antiinflammatory drug and statin