Radiologic evaluation of subclinical cardiovascular structural changes in school cafeteria workers: a chest computed tomography study with age-matched controls
Year: 2025
Type: article
Study design: Observational Study
Abstract: BACKGROUND: Chronic exposure to cooking oil fumes (COFs) is associated with adverse health outcomes. Although previous studies have focused on respiratory effects, the impact on cardiovascular structures remains unclear. This study aimed to assess the subclinical cardiovascular changes in school cafeteria workers with long-term COF exposure. METHODS: We conducted a retrospective analysis of the low-dose chest computed tomography (CT) scans of 88 school cafeteria workers and an age- and sex-matched control group of 88 individuals. The cardiothoracic ratio; ascending aortic diameter; and presence of coronary artery, aortic valve, and ascending aortic calcifications were evaluated and compared between the groups. RESULTS: The cafeteria worker group demonstrated a significantly greater ascending aortic diameter (31.69±3.28 mm vs. 30.64±3.21 mm, p=0.032) and cardiothoracic ratio (0.47±0.04 vs. 0.45±0.04, p=0.026) compared to controls. No significant differences were observed in the prevalence of coronary artery, aortic valve, or ascending aortic calcification between the two groups. CONCLUSION: Our findings suggest that long-term occupational exposure to COFs contributes to subtle cardiovascular alterations detectable on chest CT, even in the absence of overt calcification. These results highlight the need for occupational health surveillance and longitudinal studies to evaluate the clinical implications of these changes.
Authors: Jung Hee Hong, Jin Young Kim, Kiook Baek
Language: English
Subfield: Health, Toxicology and Mutagenesis
Field: Environmental Science
Domain: Physical Sciences
Open Access status: diamond
OpenAlex ID: W4416292762