Carotid integrated backscatter analysis in patients with subclinical hypothyroidism

Summary Objective The aim of the present study was to determine whether integrated backscatter (IBS) analysis combined with conventional ultrasonography could differentiate the tissue characteristics of carotid artery intimal hyperplasia in patients with subclinical hypothyroidism (SH). Methods Forty‐one patients with SH, as judged by elevated serum TSH levels and free thyroid hormones within the normal range, and 31 sex‐ and age‐matched euthyroid volunteers underwent two‐dimensional conventional ultrasonography and IBS analysis of the carotid wall. Carotid intima–media thickness (IMT) and corrected IBS (C‐IBS), an index of arterial wall degeneration and fibrosis, were evaluated. Results Mean IMT as well C‐IBS values were higher in SH than in controls (P