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Evaluation of epicardial fat tissue thickness in patients with H ashimoto thyroiditis
Author(s) -
Asik Mehmet,
Sahin Sinan,
Ozkul Faruk,
Anaforoglu Inan,
Ayhan Semiha,
Karagol Sukriye,
Gunes Fahri,
Algun Ekrem
Publication year - 2013
Publication title -
clinical endocrinology
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 1.055
H-Index - 147
eISSN - 1365-2265
pISSN - 0300-0664
DOI - 10.1111/cen.12176
Subject(s) - medicine , triglyceride , endocrinology , blood pressure , subclinical infection , thyroiditis , epicardial fat , hormone , body mass index , thyroid , lipid profile , angiology , cholesterol , cardiology , gastroenterology , adipose tissue
Summary Objective Hypothyroidism, whether overt or subclinical, has multiple effects on the cardiovascular system. Epicardial fat tissue ( EFT ) is closely related to cardiovascular disorders and atherosclerosis. Our study aimed to assess EFT thickness and carotid artery intima‐media thickness ( CIMT ) in patients with H ashimoto's thyroiditis ( HT ) displaying overt and subclinical hypothyroidism ( SCH ). Design and patients The study included 33 patients with SCH and 24 patients with overt hypothyroidism ( OH ) with HT as well as 32 healthy controls. EFT thickness, CIMT , thyroid hormone levels and lipid parameters were measured in all subjects. Correlation analysis and linear regression analysis were performed for EFT thickness. Results Mean EFT thickness was 2·89 ± 0·38, 3·53 ± 0·92 and 4·56 ± 1·61 mm in control, SCH and OH groups, respectively ( P < 0·001). EFT thickness of OH patients was high compared with SCH and control subjects ( P < 0·01 and <0·001, respectively). CIMT of OH patients was high compared with SCH and control subjects ( P < 0·01 and <0·001, respectively). In addition, EFT was significantly thicker in SCH patients than in controls ( P < 0·05). Correlation analysis showed that EFT thickness was significantly positively correlated with CIMT , age, body mass index, systolic blood pressure, thyroid‐stimulating hormone, total and LDL cholesterol and triglyceride and negatively correlated with free T4. In the regression analysis, EFT thickness retained its independent and positive association with CIMT , patient group (particularly OH ) and systolic blood pressure. Conclusions Epicardial fat tissue thickness may be a useful indicator of early atherosclerosis in SCH and OH patients with HT .