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Changes in cerebral blood flow velocity in patients with hypothyroidism

Uygar Utku1, Mustafa Gokce, Mesut Ozkaya

  • 1Department of Neurology, Medical Faculty, Kahramanmaras Sutcu Imam University, 46050 Kahramanmaras, Turkey. utkuzar@gmail.com

European Journal of Endocrinology
|July 8, 2011
PubMed

Insights

Hypothyroidism increases cerebral blood flow velocity in the middle cerebral artery (MCA). Thyroid hormone replacement therapy (HRT) in hypothyroid patients normalized these elevated velocities, indicating a reversible condition.

Area of Science:

  • Neurology
  • Endocrinology
  • Vascular Medicine

Background:

  • Hypothyroidism is a recognized risk factor for cardiovascular diseases.
  • Cerebral blood flow alterations may contribute to cardiovascular complications in hypothyroidism.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To evaluate the impact of hypothyroidism on cerebral blood flow velocity.
  • To assess changes in middle cerebral artery (MCA) blood flow using transcranial Doppler (TCD) ultrasonography.

Main Methods:

  • Compared MCA blood flow velocities (peak-systolic, end-diastolic, mean) and indices (Pulsatility Index, Resistance Index) in clinical hypothyroid, subclinical hypothyroid, and control groups.
  • Re-evaluated TCD parameters in hypothyroid patients after thyroid hormone replacement therapy (HRT).

Main Results:

  • Cerebral blood flow velocities in MCA were significantly higher in both clinical and subclinical hypothyroid groups compared to controls.
  • Following HRT, hypothyroid patients showed a significant decrease in MCA blood flow velocities.

Conclusions:

  • Elevated cerebral blood flow velocities are associated with both clinical and subclinical hypothyroidism.
  • Thyroid hormone replacement therapy effectively reverses increased cerebral blood flow velocities, suggesting a reversible link.
Abstract

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