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).