Ectopic fat deposition has been associated with lipotoxicity and derangement in local and systemic metabolism, insulin resistance, cardiac dysfunction, atherosclerosis, local, and systemic inflammation. The mechanisms and potentially detrimental effects of such an accumulation should be fully investigated in order to establish preventive strategies. The aim of this review is to provide an overview of current knowledge regarding imaging techniques to measure cardiac fat deposition and its potential clinical relevance, if any.
Keywords: Cardiovascular risk; Echocardiography; Imaging biomarkers; Pericardial fat.