Thoracic periaortic adipose tissue is increased in patients with subclinical hypothyroidism

Abstract

ObjectiveTo evaluate thoracic periaortic adipose tissue (TAT) volume in patients with subclinical hypothyroidism (SH) in comparison with controls and in relation to cardiovascular risk factors.MethodsThe study population consisted of 28 newly diagnosed SH patients (mean (s.d.) age: 37.3 (±11.4) years, 85.7% were females) and 37 healthy volunteers (mean (s.d.) age: 35.3 (±10.7) years, 81.5% were females). Comparisons between patient and control groups used demographic characteristics, anthropometrics, and laboratory findings. All participants underwent thoracic radiographic assessment in the supine position, using an eight-slice multidetector computed tomography scanner and TAT volume was measured.ResultsThe TAT volume was determined to be 27.2 (±12.7) cm3 in the SH group and 16.3 (±8.1) cm3 in the control group, and the difference was statistically significant (P<0.001). In addition, TSH levels were significantly higher in the patient group compared with the control group (P<0.001). A significant correlation was also found between TSH levels and TAT volume (r=0.572; P<0.001). In SH patients, no significant difference was noted in TAT levels with respect to sex (P=0.383) or concomitant smoking status (P=0.426).ConclusionsOur findings indicate that SH patients have significantly higher TAT values than controls and that increased TAT levels correlate with increased TSH levels.