[Echocardiographic evidence of heart state in patients with hypothyreosis]

Echocardiographic examination of 41 patients has demonstrated that mitral prolapse (MP) of the 1st and 2nd degree is frequently associated with latent or apparent hypothyroidism and occasionally with prolapse of the tricuspid and/or aortic valve. As a rule, MP has a silent course without regurgitation and is diagnosed at ultrasonography. Its correction is made by replacement with thyroid hormones. Beta-adrenoblockers for MP treatment are contraindicated in hypothyroidism. MP complications (sudden death, thromboembolism, infectious endocarditis) are rare in patients with hypothyroidism. Thyroid insufficiency sometimes is accompanied with hydropericardium which is symptomless and is detected only at echocardiography.