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Abstract
Objective: To measure the thickness of the individual layers (externa, media, intima)
of the carotid artery in two groups of postmenopausal women. Methods: A high resolution
ultrasound (25-MHz Osteoson DIII Minhorst) was used to assess the distal end of the
common carotid artery. Forty-six women were on hormone replacement therapy (Premarin
0.625 mg nad Norgestrel 1 mg) for more than 1 year. The measurements of the treated
group were compared to those of 51 postmenopausal women who acted as controls. Results:
No significant difference between the externa and media layers of both groups of women
were noted. The media showed a tendency to be thicker in the treated group. The intima
of the untreated group was found to be significantly thicker than that of the treated
group (P < 0.05). Significant correlations were found between the layers of the carotid artery
especially between the externa and media both mainly composed of connective tissue
(Collagen Type I and III and elastin). The media/intima ratio of the treated women
was significantly higher than that of the untreated group (P < 0.003). Conclusion: It is postulated that the changes observed may be due to the
effect of oestrogen on connective tissue. These arterial changes induced by hormone
replacement therapy may partially explain the cardioprotective effect this treatment
has on postmenopausal women. The increased intimal thickness in untreated women compared
to treated ones on the other hand would represent the reduction in atheromatous plaque
formation in women on oestrogen replacement therapy.
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Article info
Publication history
Accepted:
January 17,
1997
Received in revised form:
January 9,
1997
Received:
September 30,
1996
Identification
Copyright
© 1997 Published by Elsevier Inc.
