Impaired aortic distensibility in hypothyroid patients with negative coronary angiograms: Simultaneous evaluation with 128-slice multiple row detector computed tomography

Abstract

Objective To determine the relationship between arterial distensibility and hypothyroidism by simultaneous assessment of coronary angiography and aortic distensibility, measured using 128-slice retrospective electrocardiogram-gated multiple row detector computed tomography (MDCT).

Methods Untreated hypothyroid patients and age-matched euthyroid patients, who underwent 128-slice retrospective electrocardiogram-gated MDCT to evaluate the coronary arteries, were assessed. Intraluminal aortic areas in systolic and diastolic phases of the cardiac cycle were measured with multiphase reformation at predefined locations including the ascending aorta, proximal descending aorta and distal descending aorta in the widest axial plane.

Results The study included 21 hypothyroid and 21 euthyroid patients. Patients with hypothyroidism exhibited decreased aortic distensibility between each location in the thoracic aorta (ascending aorta, proximal descending aorta and distal descending aorta) compared with euthryoid patients.

Conclusions Hypothyroidism was associated with preclinical vascular alteration, characterized by impaired aortic distensibility at each location of the thoracic aorta, which has been shown to be related to increased cardiovascular risk. Monitoring of aortic distensibility is relevant for evaluating coronary artery disease progression and treatment choices.