Abstract
Background We aimed to determine whether there is an increase in aortic intima-media thickness
values measured from the abdominal aorta in addition to the traditional carotid intima-media
thickness in patients with primary hyperparathyroidism and to determine the parameters
closely related to aortic intima-media thickness.
Methods This perspective study included 65 primary hyperparathyroidism patients and 30 healthy-controls.
Routine laboratory tests for the diagnosis of hyperparathyroidism and vascular ultrasound
examinations were performed. Common carotid, internal carotid, and abdominal aortic
intima media thickness were measured. The participants of the study was divided into
3 groups as the control (Group–I), the medical treatment (Group–II) due to primary
hyperparathyroidism, and the planned surgery (group–III).
Results Aortic intima-media thickness, serum urea, creatinine, glucose, uric acid, hs-CRP,
parathyroid hormone, calcium and urine calcium levels increased significantly from
Group–I to Group–III and T–scores and serum phosphorus in levels decreased significantly.
Carotid intima-media thicknesses were not significantly different between the groups.
Serum and urinary calcium levels were independently associated with aortic intima-media
thickness. Aortic intima-media thickness, serum phosphorus, parathyroid hormone, T-scores,
serum and urinary calcium levels are independent indicators for Group–III. When the
cut-off value of aortic intima-media thickness was taken as 1.5 mm, 80.6% sensitivity
and 89.1% specificity were determined for patients who would go to surgery.
Conclusion Serum and urine calcium levels were independently associated with aortic intima-media
thickness. Aortic intima-media thickness is more useful than carotid intima-media
thickness in showing vascular organ involvement in patients with primary hyperparathyroidism.
Key words
primary hyperparathyroidism - aortic intima-media thickness - parathyroid hormone