Akademik Veri Yönetim Sistemi
REVISTA INTERNACIONAL DE ANDROLOGÍA, cilt.24, ss.1-8, 2026 (SCI-Expanded, Scopus)
Background: Varicocele is a vascular disorder defined by anomalous dilatation of the pampiniform plexus and the presence of tortuous veins. Despite numerous hypotheses advanced to clarify its pathophysiology, the foundational processes involved remain incompletely understood. Epicardial adipose tissue, located between the myocardium and visceral epicardium, functions as a metabolically active endocrine organ and has been linked to systemic inflammation, endothelial dysfunction, oxidative stress, and atherosclerosis. We aimed to investigate the relationship between echocardiographically measured epicardial fat thickness (EFT) and the presence and severity of varicocele. Methods: In this cross-sectional study, 50 patients with high-grade varicocele, 50 patients with low-grade varicocele, and 100 group-matched healthy controls based on age and body mass index were enrolled. All participants underwent comprehensive urological evaluation, followed by referral to the cardiology department for cardiac assessment and echocardiographic measurement of EFT. Results: EFT was significantly higher in the varicocele group in comparison to controls (p = 0.048), whereas other study variables did not exhibit significant difference across the groups (p ≥ 0.05). In the three-group comparison (controls, low-grade varicocele, and high-grade varicocele), EFT differed significantly only between controls and the high-grade varicocele group (p = 0.037). Multivariable logistic regression analysis identified EFT as an independent predictor of high-grade varicocele (odds ratio: 1.853; 95% confidence interval: 1.155– 2.973; p = 0.011). Conclusions: These results suggest that EFT may be associated with progression rather than initiation of varicocele. A multidisciplinary approach integrating cardiovascular and urological perspectives may be beneficial for identifying factors that contribute to varicocele progression.