【Objective】 The purpose of this study was to investigate the association between epicardial adipose tissue(EAT) and atrial fibrillation (AF). 【Methods】 Epicardial adipose tissue volume (EATV)

left atrium-esophagus fat thickness (LA-ESOFT) and left atrium volume(LAV) were measured using multi-detector row computed tomography in 64 patients: 34 patients with AF and 30 patients in sinus rhythm (SR). 【Results】 Patients with AF had significantly more LA-ESOFT compared with patients with SR (1.69 ± 0.71 mm vs 1.06 ± 0.70 mm

P < 0.05). LAV of the AF goup was significantly larger than that of the SR group[140.0(101.5

170.5) mL vs 97.0(86.8

112.5) mL

P < 0.05]. Although patients with AF had more EATV compared with patients in SR (123.81 ± 48.02 mL vs 103.64 ± 35.40 mL

P > 0.05)

there was no significant difference between two groups. Analyzed by logistic regression model

LA-ESOFT was associated with AF (Odds Ratio:3.470;95% confidence interval:1.242-9.717) after adjustment of the baseline variables and this association was completely independent of left atrial enlargement. 【Conclusions】 LA-ESOFT probably was independently associated with AF regardless of traditional risk factors including age

body mass index (BMI)

and left atrial enlargement.