Anally Soto-García
◽
Guillermo Elizondo-Riojas
◽
Rene Rodriguez-Gutiérrez
◽
Leonardo Mancillas-Adame
◽
Jose Gerardo Gonzalez-Gonzalez
Background: The association between subclinical hypothyroidism (SCH) and
cardiovascular risk, particularly with a TSH <10µIU/ml,
remains controversial. The objective of our study was to assess the
association between SCH and cardiovascular risk through carotid
intima-media thickness, and alternatively, to evaluate its change after
treatment with levothyroxine. Methods: A total of 54 individuals were
included in the study, 18 with SCH, 18 with overt hypothyroidism (OH),
and 18 healthy controls (HC). The carotid intima-media thickness was
measured in each group. In SCH, follow-up was performed at three and six
months after the start of levothyroxine. Results: The mean age of the
total population at baseline was 35.8 years. The median TSH in SCH was
6.15 µIU/ml. The carotid intima-media thickness was greater in SCH in
comparison to the HC group (Right common carotid artery [RCCA, mm]:
0.486 ± 0.106 and 0.413 ± 0.075 in SCH and HC, respectively, p=0.01.
Left common carotid artery [LCCA, mm]: 0.511±0.144 and 0.427±0.090
in SCH and HC, respectively, p=0.03). In patients with SCH, there was a
decrease in the carotid intima-media thickness after treatment with
levothyroxine (RCCA and LCCA p <0.05 at 3 and 6 months).
Conclusions: There is an association between an increase in the carotid
intima-media thickness in patients with SCH in comparison to HC, even
with a TSH <10 µIU/ml. The increase reversed with
levothyroxine therapy. Its association with important cardiovascular
outcomes remains uncertain and should be evaluated in future studies.
Effects of Childhood Primary Hypertension on Carotid Intima Media Thickness
