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Carotid intima-media thickness in patients with subclinical hypothyroidism: A prospective controlled study
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  • Anally Soto-García,
  • Guillermo Elizondo-Riojas,
  • Rene Rodriguez-Gutiérrez,
  • Leonardo Mancillas-Adame,
  • Jose Gerardo Gonzalez-Gonzalez
Anally Soto-García
Hospital Universitario Dr José Eleuterio González

Corresponding Author:[email protected]

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Guillermo Elizondo-Riojas
Hospital Universitario Dr José Eleuterio González
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Rene Rodriguez-Gutiérrez
Hospital Universitario Dr José Eleuterio González
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Leonardo Mancillas-Adame
Hospital Universitario Dr José Eleuterio González
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Jose Gerardo Gonzalez-Gonzalez
Hospital Universitario Dr José Eleuterio González
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Abstract

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.
31 Dec 2021Published in Clinical and Investigative Medicine volume 44 issue 4 on pages E39-45. 10.25011/cim.v44i4.37139