Neele S. Hbner1, 2, Annette Merkle1, Bernd Jung1, Dominik von Elverfeldt1, Laura-Adela Harsan1
1Department of Radiology, Medical Physics, University Medical Center Freiburg, Freiburg, Germany; 2Faculty of Biology, University of Freiburg, Freiburg, Germany
Thyroid hormones (TH) have various modes of action and their beneficial effects for treatment of different diseases are focus of recent studies. One example is their pro-remyelinating effect in animal models of multiple sclerosis. However enhanced TH levels result in undesired side effects like cardiovascular impairment. Cardiovascular Magnetic Resonance Imaging is used to assess left ventricular performance in mice after prolonged hyperthyroidism and during recovery. Significant reduction of ejection fraction and global wall thickening account for a decline in the left ventricular performance induced by long-term hyperthyroidism. Recovery of the cardiac function is seen after periods of TH treatment arrest.