2.2. Measurements of EAT-T by transthoracic echocardiography:
Transthoracic two-dimensional echocardiography was performed using
standard technique in left lateral decubitus position on Philips EPIQ 7C
system. EAT was defined as hypoechoic space between the linear
hyperechoic visceral pericardium and epicardium. EAT-T was measured
perpendicularly over the right ventricular free wall from both
parasternal long-axis (PLAX) and parasternal short-axis (PSAX) view at
end-systole in three cardiac cycles. Maximum value perpendicular to the
aortic annulus for PLAX view (Figure 1 ) and
perpendicular to the inter-ventricular septum at the mid-chordal level
for PSAX view (Figure 2 ) was measured and average of
three measurements was taken. Echocardiography was recorded and
interpreted by observer who was blinded to CT findings, first 25
recordings was read by 2 observers for assessment of inter-observer
variability (intra class correlation coefficient, 0.867; 95% CI,
0.699–0.921; P<0.001).