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Horm Metab Res 1976; 8(1): 42-46
DOI: 10.1055/s-0028-1093690
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© Georg Thieme Verlag KG Stuttgart · New York

Pituitary-Thyroid Axis Reaction after Myocardial Infarction

L.  Vanhaelst1 , J. P. Degaute2 , J.  Golstein3 , P. A. Bastenie1
  • 1Laboratory of Experimental Medicine, Universities of Brussels, Brussels, Belgium
  • 2Medical Intensive Care Unit, Saint Pierre Hospital, Universities of Brussels, Brussels, Belgium
  • 3Institute de Recherche Interdisciplinaire (LMN), Universities of Brussels, Brussels, Belgium
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Publication History

Publication Date:
23 December 2008 (online)

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Abstract

Within the first 36 hours following myocardial infarction, serum total thyroxin (T4) levels were supernormal in most cases in contrast to normal thyrotrophic values. After one week, T4 levels dropped to normal while TSH values rose significantly. These findings suggest that, in the acute phase of myocardial infarction, the secretion of thyroid hormones is increased, thereby inhibiting the pituitary thyrotropes. The stimulation of thyroid secretion might be due to the high levels of blood catecholamine generally found in patients with myocardial infarction.

Key words

Myocardial Infarction - Thyroid Function - Serum Total Thyroxine - Serum TSH

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