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01-12-2016 | Cardiac

High levels of thyroid-stimulating hormone are associated with aortic wall thickness in the general population

Authors: Till Ittermann, Roberto Lorbeer, Marcus Dörr, Tobias Schneider, Alexander Quadrat, Lydia Heßelbarth, Michael Wenzel, Ina Lehmphul, Josef Köhrle, Birger Mensel, Henry Völzke

Published in: European Radiology | Issue 12/2016

Abstract

Objectives

Our aim was to investigate the association of thyroid function defined by serum concentrations of thyroid-stimulating hormone (TSH) with thoracic aortic wall thickness (AWT) as a marker of atherosclerotic processes.

Methods

We pooled data of 2,679 individuals from two independent population-based surveys of the Study of Health in Pomerania. Aortic diameter and AWT measurements were performed on a 1.5-T MRI scanner at the concentration of the right pulmonary artery displaying the ascending and the descending aorta.

Results

TSH, treated as continuous variable, was significantly associated with descending AWT (β = 0.11; 95 % confidence interval (CI) 0.02–0.21), while the association with ascending AWT was not statistically significant (β = 0.20; 95 % CI −0.01–0.21). High TSH (>3.29 mIU/L) was significantly associated with ascending (β = 0.12; 95 % CI 0.02–0.23) but not with descending AWT (β = 0.06; 95 % CI −0.04–0.16). There was no consistent association between TSH and aortic diameters.

Conclusions

Our study demonstrated that AWT values increase with increasing serum TSH concentrations. Thus, a hypothyroid state may be indicative for aortic atherosclerosis. These results fit very well to the findings of previous studies pointing towards increased atherosclerotic risk in the hypothyroid state.

Key Points

• Serum TSH concentrations are positively associated with aortic wall thickness.

• Serum TSH concentrations are not associated with the aortic diameters.

• Serum 3,5-diiodothyronine concentrations may be positively associated with aortic wall thickness.

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Title: High levels of thyroid-stimulating hormone are associated with aortic wall thickness in the general population
Authors: Till Ittermann
Roberto Lorbeer
Marcus Dörr
Tobias Schneider
Alexander Quadrat
Lydia Heßelbarth
Michael Wenzel
Ina Lehmphul
Josef Köhrle
Birger Mensel
Henry Völzke
Publication date: 01-12-2016
Publisher: Springer Berlin Heidelberg
Published in: European Radiology / Issue 12/2016
Print ISSN: 0938-7994
Electronic ISSN: 1432-1084
DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s00330-016-4316-4

Keynote webinar | Spotlight on medication adherence

Springer Medicine

High levels of thyroid-stimulating hormone are associated with aortic wall thickness in the general population

Abstract

Objectives

Methods

Results

Conclusions

Key Points

Keynote webinar | Spotlight on medication adherence

Springer Medicine

Abstract

Objectives

Methods

Results

Conclusions

Key Points

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