The associ̇ati̇on of epi̇cardi̇al fat thi̇ckness and caroti̇s i̇nti̇ma-medi̇a thi̇ckness wi̇th metaboli̇c parameters i̇n pati̇ent wi̇th hi̇pothyroi̇dsm

Introduction: Hypothyroidism is a clinical syndrome characterized by slowdown in the metabolic processes due to insufficiency of thyroid hormones. Whether overt or subclinical, Hypothyroidism has multiple effects on the cardiovascular system. Epicardial fat tissue (EFT) and and carotis intima-media thickness are closely related to cardiovascular disorders and atherosclerosis. Therefore it is expressed both of these rojections may be a useful marker to estimate early atherosclerosis. İn present study, we aim to detect EFT and CIMT levels in patients with hypothyroidism and to investigate the association of these indicators (EFT and CIMT) with serum thyroid hormones levels, thyroid autoantibody titers and metabolic parameters. Material-method: The study included 50 patients with SCH and 32 patients with overt hypothyroidism (OH) with HT as well as 37 healthy controls.. Patients with systemic diseases such as concurrent heart disease, diabetes mellitus, obesity (BMI>30 ) and hypertension (BP>140/90) were excluded from this study. Patients parameters; weight, height, BMI, systolic and diastolic blood pressure, lipid profile and homone levels such as TSH, FT3, FT4 were measured and recorded. Epicardial fat thickness and carotis intima media thickness were evaluated by echocardiography. Correlation analysis and linear regression analysis were performed for EFT and CIMT. In this study, SPSS 18.0 computer based-statistical program was used for estimation. Findings: Mean EFT was 5.49±0.71 mm, 5.05±0.98 mm and 3,62±0,75 mm in SCH, OH and control groups. EFT of OH and SKH patients were significantly high compared with control subjects (p< 0.001 and p<0.001, respectively). EFT did not differ significantly between the OH and SKH groups. Mean CIMT was 0,59±0,12mm, 0.58±0.12 mm ve 0.43±0.8 mm in SCH, OH and control groups. CIMT of OH and SKH patients were significantly high compared with control subjects (p< 0.001 and p<0.001, respectively). CIMT did not differ significantly between the OH and SKH groups.Age, sex, BMI, FPG, SBP, DBP, LDL, HDL, T-kol and TG levels were not differ significantly between three grups. Correlation analysis showed that EFT was significantly positively correlated with age, thyroid-stimulating hormone, antı-TPO, antı-TG and negatively correlated with free T4, free T3. like association of EFT, CIMT also was significantly positively correlated with age, thyroid-stimulating hormone, antı-TPO, antı-TG and negatively correlated with free T4, free T3. İn addition, there was positively correlation between EFT and CIMT (p<0.001). Result: Epicardial fat thickness and carotis intima-media thickness may be useful indicators of early atherosclerosis in SCH and OH patients with HT. In particular, SCH patients which has increased CIMT value should be treated to reduce risk of atherosclerosis. Keywords: Hypothyroidism, atherosclerosis, epicardial fat thickness, carotis intima-media thickness