ЗНАЧЕНИЕ ИЗМЕНЕНИЙ НАРУЖНОЙ СОННОЙ АРТЕРИИ И ЩИТОВИДНОЙ ЖЕЛЕЗЫ У ПАЦИЕНТОВ С РИСКОМ ИШЕМИЧЕСКОГО ИНСУЛЬТА
Abstract
Relevance: Atherosclerotic changes in the external carotid artery, which most often originate from the common carotid artery and frequently involve the internal carotid artery, are accompanied by chronic insufficiency of blood circulation in the thyroid gland. The complex of symptoms that forms as a result of the involvement of not only vascular genesis but also endocrine changes related to the dysfunction of the thyroid and especially the parathyroid glands, which regulate calcium (Ca) and phosphorus (P) levels in the body, aggravates and progresses systemic diseases like multifocal atherosclerosis, especially atherocalcinosis, which play a significant role in assessing the risk of ischemic stroke. These changes can serve as indicators of vascular and metabolic disorders that contribute to the development of stroke. It is now known that when Ca levels in the blood decrease, the parathyroid hormone produced by the parathyroid gland activates osteoclast activity, drawing Ca from bone tissue and simultaneously leading to osteoporosis. However, often in the human body, circulating Ca in the blood is deposited in ulcerated atherosclerotic plaques, turning them into atherocalcinosis. In cases of increased Ca levels in the blood, the hormone produced by the thyroid gland reduces and normalizes these levels. Thus, the existing interconnection and mutual regulation between the thyroid and parathyroid glands in Ca and P metabolism play one of the leading pathophysiological roles in the development of two interconnected diseases: atherocalcinosis and osteoporosis. Consequently, the study of changes in the external carotid artery and the vessels supplying the endocrine glands contributes to chronic insufficiency of their blood supply, leading to chronic ischemia and certain deviations in thyroid function. This complex pathophysiological process not only worsens the course and severity of systemic diseases such as multifocal atherosclerosis and atherocalcinosis but also creates preconditions for an increased risk of stroke, as an extended atherosclerotic plaque simultaneously disrupts blood flow velocity in the internal carotid artery, where thrombosis most commonly occurs, leading to atherothrombotic stroke. Ultimately, the above-mentioned factors are fundamental in individuals at risk of ischemic stroke and may help in developing effective prevention and treatment strategies. Therefore, early diagnosis and correction of these changes help reduce the likelihood of stroke and the progression of multifocal atherosclerosis and, of course, atherocalcinosis, along with new proximal and distant complications, such as coronary artery disease, iliac artery issues, and dysfunction of pelvic organs, thereby improving patients' quality of life.