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Cardiac biomarkers in hyperthyroid cats

J K Sangster1, D L Panciera, J A Abbott

  • 1Department of Small Animal Clinical Sciences, Virginia-Maryland Regional College of Veterinary Medicine, Blacksburg, VA.

Journal of Veterinary Internal Medicine
|December 20, 2013
PubMed

Insights

Cardiac biomarkers NT-proBNP and cTNI are elevated in hyperthyroid cats, similar to those with hypertrophic cardiomyopathy (HCM). These biomarkers do not differentiate between hyperthyroidism-associated and primary HCM in cats.

Area of Science:

  • Veterinary Cardiology
  • Endocrinology
  • Internal Medicine

Background:

  • Hyperthyroidism significantly impacts feline cardiovascular health.
  • Cardiac biomarkers N-terminal pro-B-type natriuretic peptide (NT-proBNP) and cardiac troponin I (cTNI) are established indicators of myocardial disease.
  • Their utility in hyperthyroid cats remains under-investigated.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To compare plasma NT-proBNP and cTNI concentrations in hyperthyroid cats, cats with subclinical hypertrophic cardiomyopathy (HCM), and healthy controls.
  • To evaluate changes in these biomarkers following treatment for hyperthyroidism.

Main Methods:

  • Prospective study involving hyperthyroid cats, cats with subclinical HCM, and healthy control cats.
  • Measurements included NT-proBNP, cTNI, echocardiography, and thyroid hormone levels.
  • Hyperthyroid cats were reassessed after radioiodine therapy.

Main Results:

  • Plasma NT-proBNP and cTNI concentrations were significantly higher in hyperthyroid cats and cats with HCM compared to healthy cats.
  • No significant difference in biomarker concentrations was observed between hyperthyroid cats and cats with HCM.
  • Following radioiodine treatment, hyperthyroid cats showed significant decreases in NT-proBNP, cTNI, and ventricular wall thickness.

Conclusions:

  • NT-proBNP and cTNI do not reliably distinguish cardiac changes due to hyperthyroidism from primary HCM in cats.
  • Thyroid status assessment is crucial before interpreting NT-proBNP and cTNI levels in older cats.
  • NT-proBNP may aid in monitoring cardiac response to hyperthyroid treatment.
Abstract

Keywords:
Cardiac troponin IMyocardial diseaseNT-proBNP

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