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Synchronous Triplanar Reconstruction Integrated with Color Doppler Mapping for Precise and Rapid Localization of Thyroid Lesions
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Noninvasive indicators of atherosclerosis in subclinical hypothyroidism

Ismail Dogu Kilic1, Halil Tanriverdi, Semin Fenkci

  • 1Department of Cardiology, Pamukkale University School of Medicine, Denizli, Turkey.

Indian Journal of Endocrinology and Metabolism
|June 19, 2013
PubMed

Insights

Subclinical hypothyroidism (SCH) is linked to endothelial dysfunction, indicated by reduced flow-mediated dilation (FMD). While carotid intima-media thickness and aortic distensibility showed no significant differences, FMD highlights SCH

Area of Science:

  • Endocrinology
  • Cardiovascular Medicine
  • Vascular Biology

Background:

  • The cardiovascular system possesses numerous thyroid hormone receptors, making it a primary site for thyroid hormone action.
  • The precise impact of subclinical hypothyroidism (SCH) on the development of atherosclerosis remains unclear.
  • Subclinical hypothyroidism is characterized by elevated thyroid-stimulating hormone (TSH) with normal serum T4 and T3 levels.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To investigate the association between subclinical hypothyroidism and atherosclerosis.
  • To compare vascular parameters, including carotid intima-media thickness (CIMT), flow-mediated dilation (FMD), and aortic distensibility, between individuals with and without SCH.

Main Methods:

  • A case-control study involving 32 patients with SCH and 29 healthy controls.
  • Assessment of vascular function using flow-mediated dilation (FMD) and GTN-induced vasodilation.
  • Measurement of carotid intima-media thickness (CIMT) and aortic distensibility.

Main Results:

  • Patients with SCH exhibited significantly lower flow-mediated dilation (FMD) compared to controls.
  • No statistically significant differences were observed in carotid intima-media thickness (CIMT) or aortic distensibility between the SCH group and the control group.
  • GTN-induced vasodilation, a measure of smooth muscle function, was comparable in both groups.

Conclusions:

  • Subclinical hypothyroidism is associated with endothelial dysfunction, as evidenced by impaired FMD.
  • The discrepancies in CIMT and aortic stiffness findings may stem from these parameters reflecting structural changes, whereas FMD offers a dynamic assessment of endothelial function influenced by acute and chronic factors.
Abstract

Keywords:
Aortic distensibilitycarotid intima-media thicknessflow-mediated dilatationsubclinical hypothyroidism

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