Evaluation of Aortic Distensibility in Patients with Nonalcoholic Fatty Liver Using CT

Background: Nonalcoholic fatty liver disease has attracted considerable attention with continuously increasing morbidity. Objective: To evaluate the aortic distensibility in patients with non-diabetic and hypertension-type Nonalcoholic Fatty Liver Disease (NAFLD) through Dual-Source Computed Tomography (DSCT). Methods: 120 patients with NAFLD (experimental group) and 30 healthy subjects (control group) were consecutively enrolled in the study. In the two groups, aortic distensibility was calculated as D = ΔA/(A0 ×Δp). Record fasting insulin, fasting blood glucose, fasting lipid status, age, heart rate, waist circumference, systolic blood pressure, and diastolic blood pressure. Calculate homeostasis model assessment of insulin resistance (HOMA-IR) and Body Mass Index (BMI). A comparative analysis between the two groups was carried out, followed by a correlation analysis between D value and risk factors. Results: D value and liver attenuation of the patients in the NAFLD group were significantly reduced relative to those in the control group (2.24±0.63×10^-3 mmHg^-1 vs. 3.19±0.86×10^-3 mmHg^-1, P<0.001 and 41±6HU vs. 53±5HU, P<0.001, respectively) and their fasting blood glucose, fasting insulin, triglyceride, low-density lipoprotein, aspartate aminotransferase, alanine transaminase, HOMA- IR, and BMI were higher than those in the control group. Liver attenuation, HOMA-IR, age, and BMI were significantly correlated with D value in the NAFLD group. The stepwise multiple linear regression analysis indicates that liver attenuation and HOMA-IR were the significant risk factors for D value (β coefficient =0.43, P =0.001, and β coefficient =-0.33, P =0.02, respectively). Conclusion: Patients with NAFLD suffer from a reduction in aortic distensibility, and insulin resistance may play a significant role in the early atherosclerosis stage.