<p>We investigated 25 <em>non-dipper</em> normotensive <em>vs </em>25 <em>dipper </em>normotensive patients. The aim of our study was to evaluate carotid intimal-medial thickness (IMT) in the two groups. At the admission patients underwent anamnesis and general examination, blood sampling for lipid profile measurement, glycemia, homocysteine, ambulatory blood pressure measurement to assess the circadian blood pressure profile, and Doppler ultrasound to measure carotid intimal-medial thickness (IMT). Our results showed that IMT is significantly higher in the <em>non-dipper </em>group (P<0.006) <em>vs dippers</em>. <em>Non-dipper </em>status has been recognized in several studies a condition with increased risk for target organ damage in hypertensive and normotensive subjects. However, to our knowledge, a possible relationship between IMT and normotensive <em>non-dipper </em>patients has not yet clearly investigated. Our study instead has clearly demonstrated a significant relationship between IMT and the <em>non-dipper status</em>.</p>
BLOOD PRESSURE PROFILE, CATECHOLAMINE PHENOTYPE AND TARGET ORGAN DAMAGE IN PHEOCHROMOCYTOMA/PARAGANGLIOMA
