Volume : III, Issue : X, October - 2013

Peculiar Aspects of Pericardial Effusion in Hypothyroid Patients

Cristina Tudoran, Mariana Tudoran

Abstract :

In hypothyroid patients pericardial effusion occurs with an increased incidence. Usually, this liquid accumulates in small or moderate amount and is rich in mucopolysaccarides and cholesterol. The aim of our study was to establish if there is any correlation between the severity of the thyroid disorder, expressed by the levels of TSH and the amount of pericardial effusion and its evolution. Material and method: We studied 192 patients with overt and subclinical hypothyroidism, admitted in the Clinic of Endocrinology between 2010 and 2013. All subjects had endocrinologic and cardiology evaluations, including echocardiography, in order to asses the presence and amount of pericardial effusion. Results: We found an increased incidence of pericarditis, especially in patients with overt hypothyroidism and a very significant correlation between the amount of pericardial effusion and the levels of TSH. The pericardial fluid, independent of its amount, regressed under hormone replacement therapy so that no surgical intervention was needed. A peculiar aspect, found in patients with overt hypothyroidism, was a thickened pericardium caused probably, by long lasting or/and repeated pericarditis. Conclusion: in hypothyroidism, the incidence and amount of pericardial effusion correlates with the severity of the disease and regresses slowly, under hormonal replacement therapy. In some cases, with long lasting hypothyroidism, chronic pericarditis develops.

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Article: Download PDF   DOI : 10.36106/ijar  

Cite This Article:

Cristina Tudoran, Mariana Tudoran / Peculiar Aspects of Pericardial Effusion in Hypothyroid Patients / Indian Journal of Applied Research, Vol.3, Issue.10 October 2013

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