REPLY
Hypothyroidism and Primary Pulmonary Hypertension
David B. Badesch, MD;
Norbert F. Voelkel, MD; and
Bertron M. Groves, MD
15 January 1994 | Volume 120 Issue 2 | Pages 167-168
IN RESPONSE:
We were not aware of the report cited by Drs. Chin and Fisher. The journal in which that report was published is apparently not included in the Paperchase system, which we used for our MEDLINE search. Nevertheless, we are pleased to know of further evidence supporting the association between hypothyroidism and primary pulmonary hypertension, which now may be more commonly recognized. Additional information obtained since submission of our report also suggests that the association may not be uncommon. Of the 81 patients entered in a multicenter trial of the continuous infusion of prostacyclin in patients with severe primary pulmonary hypertension, 8 had a history of hypothyroidism (including the 4 that we described). In addition, 1 of the 81 patients enrolled had a history of hyperthyroidism. Although a causal relation has not been proven, it is reasonable to speculate that an autoimmune pathogenetic link exists.
|
Author and Article Information
|
|---|
 Top
 Author & Article Info
|
|---|
University of Colorado Health Sciences Center; 420 East Ninth Avenue; Denver, CO 80262
About Letters
The Editors welcome submissions for possible publication in the Letters section. Authors of letters should:
•Include no more than 300 words of text, three authors, and five references
•Type with double-spacing
•Send three copies of the letter, an authors' form signed by all authors, and a cover letter describing any conflicts of interest related to the contents of the letter.
Letters commenting on an Annals article will be considered if they are received within 6 weeks of the time the article was published. Only some of the letters received can be published. Published letters are edited and may be shortened; tables and figures are included only selectively. Authors will be notified that the letter has been received. If the letter is selected for publication, the author will be notified about 3 weeks before the publication date. Unpublished letters cannot be returned.
Annals welcomes electronically submitted letters.
Article
