A Cross-Sectional Study on Visceral Fat Estimation by Computed Tomography and Its Relationship to Diabetes and Coronary Artery Disease at Shalamar Hospital, Lahore

Tahseen Haider Kazmi; Maria Tahir; Saira Farhat; Zainab Hameed; Abdullah Yousaf

doi:10.37185/LnS.1.1.775

Tahseen Haider Kazmi CMH Lahore Medical College & IOD, Lahore, Pakistan
Maria Tahir University of Engineering & Technology, Lahore, Pakistan
Saira Farhat Central Park Medical College, Lahore, Pakistan
Zainab Hameed Chughtai Lab, Head Office, Lahore, Pakistan
Abdullah Yousaf Synapse Houston, Texas, USA

DOI: https://doi.org/10.37185/LnS.1.1.775

Keywords: Coronary Artery Disease, Diabetes Mellitus, Intra-Abdominal Fat, Metabolic Diseases, Subcutaneous Fat.

Abstract

Objective: This study aimed to estimate visceral abdominal fat using computed tomography (CT scan) and its
relationship with two major metabolic conditions diabetes mellitus (DM) and coronary artery disease (CAD).
Study Design: A cross-sectional study.
Place and Duration of Study: The study was conducted at the Department of Cardiology, Shalamar Hospital,
Lahore, Pakistan from 4^th May 2024 to 10^th August 2024.
Methods: A total of 68 adult patients, including both males and females diagnosed with either diabetes, CAD,
or both, were recruited for the study. Abdominal CT scans were performed following standard hospital imaging
protocols. Axial two-dimensional (2D) CT images were analyzed to quantify visceral adipose tissue (VAT) area in
square centimeters (cm²). The scans were interpreted by a trained radiologist to ensure accuracy and
consistency in VAT estimation.
Results: Results showed that the mean age was approximately 51.88 years in females and 55.24 years in males.
Mean visceral adipose tissue (VAT) was 179.63 cm2 in the patients suffering from diabetes or coronary artery
disease (CAD), and their visceral fat percentage was much higher than the VAT threshold. A statistically
significant association was found between elevated visceral fat and the presence of diabetes mellitus.
Additionally, male participants demonstrated a higher prevalence and quantity of visceral abdominal fat
compared to females.
Conclusion: This study highlights a strong association between increased visceral adiposity and the presence of
diabetes and coronary artery disease. These findings underscore the clinical importance of incorporating VAT
assessment into routine screening protocols for at-risk individuals. Early identification and targeted
management of excess visceral fat could play a crucial role in both the primary and secondary prevention of
metabolic and cardiovascular diseases.

How to cite this: Kazmi T, Tahir M, Farhat S, Hameed Z, Yousaf A. A Cross-Sectional Study on Visceral Fat Estimation by Computed Tomography and Its Relationship to Diabetes and Coronary Artery Disease at Shalamar Hospital, Lahore. Life and Science. 2025; 6(3): 350-355. doi: http://doi.org/10.37185/LnS.1.1.775