Factors influencing the evolution of pulmonary hypertension in patients with hyperthyroidism

Abstract

The aim of this study is to document the impact of thyroid hormones on pulmonary hypertension (PH). In two groups of hyperthyroid patients, one with Graves’ disease and other with non-autoimmune aetiology, we have determined, by means of echocardiography, the estimated systolic pulmonary artery pressure (PAPs). We have documented an increased incidence of PH and statistically significant correlations between PAPs levels and free thyroxine (FT4), thyroid stimulating hormone (TSH) and TSH receptor antibodies (TRAb) and with the duration of hyperthyroidism. The severity of PH correlates with the severity and duration of hyperthyroidism. PAPs levels declined gradually, under specific therapy.