Alterations of arterial vessel wall properties in hyperparathyroidism

Alterations of arterial vessel wall function are associated with increased cardio: vascular morbidity and can be measured by noninvasive ultrasound te chniques. There is increasing evidence that hyperparathyroidism contributes not only to structural changes of the cardiovascular system but to disturb ances in functional arterial vessel wall properties. It has been shown that elevated concentrations of parathyroid hormone are associated with decreas ed arterial distensibility and increased intima-media thickness in patients with renal insufficiency. A permissive role of parathyroid hormone in the pathogenesis of uremic vessel wall changes has been discussed. The endothel ium is a newly recognized target organ of parathyroid hormone. In patients with primary hyperparathyroidism endothelial dysfunction has been demonstra ted, that seems to be reversible after parathyroidectomy. Effects on arteri al vessel wall function may contribute to increased blood pressure observed in hyperparathyroidism. The complex cardiovascular effects of parathyroid hormone and changes in vascular tone, arterial distensibility and endotheli al function in hyperparathyroidism are discussed.