Mehmt Asik1, Sinan Sahin2, Ahmet Temiz3, Mesut Ozkaya4, Faruk Ozkul5, Hacer Sen6, Emine Binnetoglu6, Fahri Gunes6, Neslihan Bozkurt6, Mustafa Sahin7, Kubilay Ukinc1. 1. Department of Endocrinology and Metabolism, Faculty of Medicine, Çanakkale Onsekiz Mart University, Çanakkale, Turkey. 2. Department of Cardiology, Bergama Government Hospital, Izmir, Turkey. 3. Department of Cardiology, Faculty of Medicine, Çanakkale Onsekiz Mart University, Çanakkale, Turkey. 4. Department of Endocrinology and Metabolism, Faculty of Medicine, Gaziantep University, Gaziantep, Turkey. 5. Department of General Surgery, Faculty of Medicine, Çanakkale Onsekiz Mart University, Çanakkale, Turkey. 6. Department of General Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, Çanakkale Onsekiz Mart University, Çanakkale, Turkey. 7. Department of Endocrinology and Metabolism, Faculty of Medicine, Ankara University, Ankara, Turkey.
Abstract
OBJECTIVE: Primary hyperparathyroidism (pHPT) affects the cardiovascular system, and epicardial fat tissue (EFT) thickness is closely associated with cardiovascular diseases and atherosclerosis. Despite this, the association between EFT thickness and pHPT has not been studied in a clinical setting. This study aimed to assess EFT thickness in patients with pHPT. METHODS: The study included 38 patients with pHPT and 40 healthy controls. EFT thickness, carotid intima-media thickness (CIMT), serum levels of parathormone (PTH) and calcium, and blood chemistry profiles were determined in all subjects. Correlation and regression analyses were performed with EFT thickness and CIMT as dependent variables and age; systolic and diastolic blood pressure; body mass index (BMI); presence of diabetes mellitus; and free plasma glucose (FPG), PTH, and serum calcium (Ca) levels as independent variables. RESULTS: Both the mean EFT thickness and the mean CIMT were significantly greater in the pHPT group than the control group (P < .001 for both). Correlation analysis showed that EFT thickness was significantly correlated with CIMT, age, systolic blood pressure, and PTH and serum Ca levels. Furthermore, the regression analysis revealed that EFT thickness retained its independent and positive association with FPG and serum Ca levels. CONCLUSIONS: The results of this study indicate that EFT thickness may be a useful marker of early atherosclerosis in patients with pHPT. Furthermore, the increase in EFT thickness appears to be due to hypercalcemia.
OBJECTIVE:Primary hyperparathyroidism (pHPT) affects the cardiovascular system, and epicardial fat tissue (EFT) thickness is closely associated with cardiovascular diseases and atherosclerosis. Despite this, the association between EFT thickness and pHPT has not been studied in a clinical setting. This study aimed to assess EFT thickness in patients with pHPT. METHODS: The study included 38 patients with pHPT and 40 healthy controls. EFT thickness, carotid intima-media thickness (CIMT), serum levels of parathormone (PTH) and calcium, and blood chemistry profiles were determined in all subjects. Correlation and regression analyses were performed with EFT thickness and CIMT as dependent variables and age; systolic and diastolic blood pressure; body mass index (BMI); presence of diabetes mellitus; and free plasma glucose (FPG), PTH, and serum calcium (Ca) levels as independent variables. RESULTS: Both the mean EFT thickness and the mean CIMT were significantly greater in the pHPT group than the control group (P < .001 for both). Correlation analysis showed that EFT thickness was significantly correlated with CIMT, age, systolic blood pressure, and PTH and serum Ca levels. Furthermore, the regression analysis revealed that EFT thickness retained its independent and positive association with FPG and serum Ca levels. CONCLUSIONS: The results of this study indicate that EFT thickness may be a useful marker of early atherosclerosis in patients with pHPT. Furthermore, the increase in EFT thickness appears to be due to hypercalcemia.