Cardiac Autonomic Neuropathy in Graves' Disease: Smoking and Age as Predictive Factors.

OBJECTIVES: Hypermetabolic state in Graves' disease (GD) has a great impact on heart homeostasis, acting directly on the heart muscle and modulating the autonomic nervous system. To characterize cardiac autonomic neuropathy (CAN) as a possible complication in patients with GD. METHODS: We evaluated euthyroid GD patients and a control group of healthy euthyroid people. CAN was assessed using autonomic tests of cardiovascular reflex and heart rate variability: respiratory, Valsalva, orthostatic and orthostatic hypotension tests, high frequency, low frequency, and very low-frequency bands. Transthoracic echocardiography was performed in GD patients. RESULTS: Sixty GD patients and 50 people in control group were assessed. CAN was diagnosed in 20% of GD and 14% in the control group. Among GD, 13.3% presented incipient, and 6.7% established CAN, while in the control group, it was verified incipient in 8% and established in 6% (P = .7479). All GD patients with CAN presented an alteration in the deep breathing test. Age and smoking were evidenced as factors associated with the presence of CAN, while higher TRAb values at diagnosis decreased the chance of CAN. CONCLUSIONS: The prevalence of CAN in euthyroid GD patients was 20%. Changes in the cardiac autonomic nervous system were identified, pointing to the importance of evaluating this complication in these patients. Smoking was a predictive factor for CAN, increasing its relationship with conditions that aggravate GD.

[Leukocytoclastic vasculitis as an adverse effect of propylthiouracil. A case report]. / Vasculitis leucocitoclástica como efecto adverso del propiltiouracilo. Reporte de un caso.

BACKGROUND: The most common cause of hyperthyroidism is Graves' disease. Propylthiouracil (PTU) is one of the drugs used to treat this disease. Leukocytoclastic vasculitis is described among dermatologic adverse effects of PTU. CASE REPORT: A 18-year-old woman, allergic to methimazole, developed a vasculitis associated to ANCAs with characteristics of leukocytoclastic vasculitis, associated to PTU treatment. She did not present systemic involvement. PTU treatment was suspended. Two months later, the skin lesions had almost completely resolved. CONCLUSIONS: Leukocytoclastic vasculitis should be considered in the spectrum of complications caused by the consumption of propylthiouracil. The lesions can manifest over time, from a few weeks to years after taking the drug. When there is no systemic involvement, propylthiouracil suspension is sufficient to cure the disease.

ANTECEDENTES: La causa más frecuente de hipertiroidismo es la enfermedad de Graves. El propiltiouracilo es uno de los medicamentos más prescritos para esta enfermedad. Uno de los efectos adversos dermatológicos del propiltiouracilo es la vasculitis leucocitoclástica. REPORTE DE CASO: Paciente femenina de 18 años, alérgica al metamizol, con vasculitis asociada a ANCAs, con características de vasculitis leucocitoclástica provocada por el consumo de propiltiouracilo. No se observó afectación sistémica. Dos meses después de suspender el propiltiouracilo desaparecieron casi por completo las lesiones en la piel. CONCLUSIONES: La vasculitis leucocitoclástica debe considerarse en el espectro de complicaciones provocadas por el consumo de propiltiouracilo. Las lesiones pueden manifestarse con el paso del tiempo, desde unas semanas hasta años después de consumir el fármaco. Cuando no existe afectación sistémica, la suspensión del propiltiouracilo es suficiente para detener la enfermedad.

Acute suppurative thyroiditis with Graves disease - A very rare association.

Acute suppurative thyroiditis is an uncommon disorder caused by a bacterial infection, usually presenting with normal thyroid function. It is a serious condition that requires a prompt diagnosis and treatment with antibiotics and supportive measures. A 62 years-old female presented with a painful cervical induration and odynophagia a week after a fish bone had been removed from her pharynx. She was febrile, and tachycardic and, on physical examination, a painful thyroid mass was detected. High inflammatory parameters and thyrotoxicosis were confirmed: thyroid stimulating hormone (TSH) < 0.01 mIU/L (normal range [NR] 0.27-4.2); free thyroxine (FT4) 3.86 ng/dL (NR 0.9-1.7) and anti-TSH receptor antibodies (TRABs) 5.3 U/L (NR < 1.5). Thyroid scintigraphy showed a diffuse uptake of the thyroid parenchyma suggesting Graves disease. Cervical ultrasonography revealed an abscess of the left thyroid lobe of 36 × 36 mm and fine needle aspiration biopsy (FNAB) with partial drainage was performed. Staphylococcus aureus and Streptococcus viridans were isolated, and directed antibiotic therapy was started. Clinical improvement was observed as well as a decrease of inflammatory parameters and the patient was discharged after 9 days of hospitalization. Eighteen days after discharge, thiamazole was initiated due to persistent thyrotoxicosis. Complete resolution of the abscess was documented within 6 months and the patient became euthyroid under thiamazole one year after initial presentation. To our knowledge, this is the third case reporting an association between acute thyroiditis and Graves disease. Furthermore, this is the first case detailing the simultaneous diagnosis of acute suppurative thyroiditis caused by a foreign body and Graves disease.

Dolor y edema de miembros inferiores por dermopatía tiroidea: presentación inusual de la enfermedad de Graves en una paciente adolescente / Lower limb pain and edema due to thyroid dermopathy: an unusual presentation of Graves disease in an adolescent patient

La enfermedad de Graves es un proceso inmunomediado en el que autoanticuerpos se dirigen contra el receptor de tirotrofina. Por su acción estimulante sobre la glándula tiroides, se genera crecimiento glandular difuso y aumento de la hormonogénesis. Se caracteriza por el comienzo subagudo de síntomas constitucionales, neuromusculares, cardiovasculares, gastrointestinales y oculares, seguidos en algunos casos de la aparición de manifestaciones cutáneas como la dermopatía tiroidea o mixedema. En pediatría la enfermedad de Graves es infrecuente (aunque es la causa más frecuente de hipertiroidismo), pero la cronología de aparición de los síntomas está bien descrita; es rara la aparición de dermopatía en ausencia de otros síntomas de hipertiroidismo y sin afectación ocular. Se presenta el caso de una paciente de 15 años con dermopatía tiroidea por enfermedad de Graves sin oftalmopatía ni otros síntomas de hipertiroidismo clínico asociados.

Graves disease is an immune-mediated process characterized by the presence of autoantibodies to thyrotropin receptors. Its stimulating action on the thyroid gland causes diffuse glandular growth and increased hormone production. Graves disease is characterized by a subacute onset of non-specific, neuromuscular, cardiovascular, gastrointestinal, and eye symptoms, sometimes followed by skin manifestations, such as thyroid dermopathy or myxedema. In pediatrics, Graves disease is rare (although it is the most frequent cause of hyperthyroidism). However, the chronology of symptom onset has been well described; the development of dermopathy in the absence of other symptoms of hyperthyroidism and without eye involvement is rare. Here we describe the case of a 15-year-old female patient with thyroid dermopathy due to Graves disease without eye disease or other associated clinical symptoms of hyperthyroidism.

Lower limb pain and edema due to thyroid dermopathy: an unusual presentation of Graves disease in an adolescent patient. / Dolor y edema de miembros inferiores por dermopatía tiroidea: presentación inusual de la enfermedad de Graves en una paciente adolescente.

Graves disease is an immune-mediated process characterized by the presence of autoantibodies to thyrotropin receptors. Its stimulating action on the thyroid gland causes diffuse glandular growth and increased hormone production. Graves disease is characterized by a subacute onset of non-specific, neuromuscular, cardiovascular, gastrointestinal, and eye symptoms, sometimes followed by skin manifestations, such as thyroid dermopathy or myxedema. In pediatrics, Graves disease is rare (although it is the most frequent cause of hyperthyroidism). However, the chronology of symptom onset has been well described; the development of dermopathy in the absence of other symptoms of hyperthyroidism and without eye involvement is rare. Here we describe the case of a 15-year-old female patient with thyroid dermopathy due to Graves disease without eye disease or other associated clinical symptoms of hyperthyroidism.

La enfermedad de Graves es un proceso inmunomediado en el que autoanticuerpos se dirigen contra el receptor de tirotrofina. Por su acción estimulante sobre la glándula tiroides, se genera crecimiento glandular difuso y aumento de la hormonogénesis. Se caracteriza por el comienzo subagudo de síntomas constitucionales, neuromusculares, cardiovasculares, gastrointestinales y oculares, seguidos en algunos casos de la aparición de manifestaciones cutáneas como la dermopatía tiroidea o mixedema. En pediatría la enfermedad de Graves es infrecuente (aunque es la causa más frecuente de hipertiroidismo), pero la cronología de aparición de los síntomas está bien descrita; es rara la aparición de dermopatía en ausencia de otros síntomas de hipertiroidismo y sin afectación ocular. Se presenta el caso de una paciente de 15 años con dermopatía tiroidea por enfermedad de Graves sin oftalmopatía ni otros síntomas de hipertiroidismo clínico asociados.

[Multimodal anesthesia in a patient with Graves' disease and thyrotoxicosis: A case report]. / Anestesia multimodal en paciente con enfermedad de Graves y tirotoxicosis: reporte de caso.

Background: Hyperthyroidism is the increase in the synthesis and secretion of thyroid hormones. It is rare but serious in children and constitutes approximately 5% of all cases; 15% manifests before 10 years of age. The peak of presentation and the majority of cases (80%) are diagnosed around 10-15 years of age. Adolescence is usually the stage with the highest incidence and it is more frequent in women (5:1). Acute thyrotoxic crisis or thyroid storm is rare and only occurs in a poorly controlled hyperthyroid patient or in a hyperthyroid patient undergoing emergency surgery. It is manifested by fever, extreme tachycardia, tachyarrhythmia with atrial fibrillation, vomiting, diarrhea, agitation and mental confusion. Clinical case: 17-year-old adolescent with Graves' disease with uncontrolled clinical manifestations that did not respond to medical treatment and was scheduled for radical thyroidectomy. 35 points were obtained on the Burch and Wartofsky Scale. It was managed with general anesthesia, reducing stimuli for airway and regional control to reduce surgical stimuli. Adjuvant medications such as magnesium sulfate for intraoperative stability were used. Conclusion: Multimodal anesthesia managed to avoid thyroid storm, postoperative pain, as well as other complications.

Introducción: el hipertiroidismo es el incremento en la síntesis y secreción de hormonas tiroideas. Es raro pero grave en la edad pediátrica y constituye aproximadamente el 5% de todos los casos; el 15% se presenta antes de los 10 años. El pico de presentación y la mayoría de los casos (80%) se diagnostican hacia los 10-15 años. La adolescencia es la etapa de mayor incidencia y más frecuente en mujeres (5:1). La crisis tirotóxica aguda o tormenta tiroidea es rara y solo se presenta en un hipertiroideo mal controlado o en un paciente hipertiroideo intervenido de urgencia. Se manifiesta con fiebre, taquicardia extrema, taquiarritmia con fibrilación auricular, vómito, diarrea, agitación y confusión mental. Caso clínico: adolescente de 17 años con enfermedad de Graves con manifestaciones clínicas descontroladas, la cual no respondió a tratamiento médico y se programó para tiroidectomia radical. Se obtuvieron 35 puntos en la Escala de Burch y Wartofsky. Se manejó con anestesia general y fueron disminuyendo los estímulos para control de vía aérea y regional a fin de disminuir los estímulos quirúrgicos. Se usaron medicamentos adyuvantes como sulfato de magnesio para la estabilidad transoperatoria. Conclusión: la anestesia multimodal logró evitar la tormenta tiroidea, el dolor postoperatorio, así como otras complicaciones.

Membranous Nephropathy Secondary to Graves' Disease: A Case Report.

Membranous nephropathy (MN) is a form of kidney disease that is idiopathic in 70%-80% of cases. Glomerular involvement in autoimmune thyroiditis can occur in 10%-30% of patients, and MN manifests in association with Hashimoto thyroiditis in up to 20% of the cases with glomerular involvement. Reports of MN associated with Graves' disease (GD) are extremely rare in the current literature. Herein, we report the case of a 46-year-old man admitted to the hospital with nephrotic syndrome and symptomatic hyperthyroidism due to GD. Kidney biopsy revealed a secondary MN pattern. Immunohistochemical staining for PLA2R was negative, and thyroglobulin showed weak and segmental staining along the glomerular capillary. Anti-thyroid peroxidase (TPO) antibody test was not performed. The patient was treated for GD with methimazole and prednisone, and despite reaching clinical improvement after 8 months, proteinuria remained close to nephrotic levels. In this scenario, the patient was submitted to radioactive iodine, and there was a dramatic reduction in proteinuria levels after treatment. In conclusion, GD association with MN is rare, and when present, diagnosis using PLA2R and immunohistochemistry can be useful in determining association. In addition, radioactive iodine therapy can be an effective treatment modality when preceded with immunosuppressive corticosteroid therapy.

Pleuropericardial compromise associated with Graves' disease - a diagnostic challenge.

Not required for Clinical Vignette.

Proptosis is associated with thiol-disulfide in patients with Graves' ophthalmopathy.

Objective: Graves' ophthalmopathy (GO) is a vision-threatening finding observed in approximately half of Graves' disease patients. The pathophysiology of GO is unclear, and one of the suspected factors is oxidative stress. In our study, we compared the relationship between proptosis and SH-SS in patients diagnosed with GO. Methods: In this prospective study, 40 recently diagnosed Graves' disease patients with proptosis, 40 recently diagnosed Graves' disease patients without GO and 30 healthy individuals with similar demographic characteristics were included. Serum thiol-disulfide (SH-SS) measurements were performed. Eye examinations were performed by a single ophthalmologist to check for the presence of GO, and proptosis values were recorded with a Hertel exophthalmometer. Results: Total SH values were lower in the group with proptosis than in the other groups (p < 0.05). Total and native SH values were lower in patients without proptosis than in the control group (p < 0.05). Total SH, native SH and SS levels were independently associated with proptosis (p < 0.05). According to this analysis, it was found that increasing SS and decreasing total and native SH levels increased the probability of proptosis by 24.4%, 32.7% and 32.4%, respectively. Conclusion: A decrease in SH, which is a natural antioxidant that protects the body against oxidative stress, and an increase in SS are important signs of oxidative damage. Proptosis and SH-SS are closely related in GO. This may help us detect GO and proptosis in Graves' patients. It can also assist in developing new options for preventing and treating GO.

[Characterization of children born to mothers with Graves' disease]. / Caracterización de recién nacidos hijos de madres portadoras de enfermedad de Graves.

INTRODUCTION: Neonatal hyperthyroidism is a disease that can cause mortality and sequelae. To date, there is no clinical series of cases that allows us to know the local reality of this condition. OBJECTIVE: to charac terize the children of mothers with Graves' disease (GD) from a clinical and biochemical point of view. SUBJECTS AND METHOD: A prospective follow-up of all newborns (NB) of mothers with history of GD was performed in two public hospitals in Santiago, during 5 years. Clinical and laboratory variables of mother-child pairs and thyroid-stimulating hormone receptor antibodies (TRAbs) le vels were analyzed looking for associations between these variables and the development of neonatal hyperthyroidism. RESULTS: Seventy-six mother-child pairs were included (0.2% of all deliveries). Five neonates (6.6%) presented biochemical hyperthyroidism, and 3 of them developed clinical disease and required treatment. All 5 NBs who developed hyperthyroidism had mothers with positive or indeterminate TRAbs. No child of TRAbs-negative mothers developed the disease. TRAbs could be determined in only 65% of the mothers and 72% of the NBs. There was a significant correlation bet ween maternal TRAbs titers (p < 0.03), neonatal TRAbs titers (p < 0.008), and neonatal TSH between days 2-6 (p < 0.006), with the subsequent development of hyperthyroidism. All cases of neonatal hyperthyroidism were transient. There was no mortality in our series. CONCLUSIONS: This is the first national case series of children of mothers with GD. Maternal and neonatal TRAbs and TSH between days 2-6 of life were predictors of neonatal hyperthyroidism.

Características de orbitopatía asociada al tiroides y tasa de requerimiento de cirugía / Thyroid-associated orbitopathy characteristics and surgery requirement rate

RESUMO Objetivo: Conheça as características demográficas e clínicas da Órbita Associada da Tiroide (OAT), bem como a taxa de exigência da cirurgia orbital em pacientes do Centro Médico Nacional do Oeste. Métodos. Estudo observacional, transversal, descritivo e retrospetivo realizado analisando os registos de pacientes diagnosticados com OAT tratados num centro de cuidados de terceiro nível de janeiro de 2005 a julho de 2016. Os resultados. Um total de 236 órbitas de 118 pacientes foram avaliados, com uma idade média de 47,3 (13,2 anos, 74,6% eram do sexo feminino e 25,4% masculinos. 4,2% dos doentes foram tratados com hipotiroidismo, 94,1% com hipertireoidismo e 1,7% com goiter tóxico difuso. 44,9% dos doentes estudados com restrição de movimento ocular,10,2% com queratopatia de exposição e 51,7% com hipertensão intraocular. 34,7% dos doentes avaliados no serviço necessitaram de descompressão orbital, 16,1% de cirurgia palpebral e 8,5% de correção do hatrabisma. Na gestão conservadora destes doentes, 48,3% exigiam o uso de lubrificantes tópicos dos olhos, enquanto 52,5% dos pacientes necessitavam do uso de hipotensivos oculares em número variável. As conclusões. A OAT foi associada principalmente ao hipertiroidismo, sendo mais comum em pacientes do sexo feminino entre os 40 e os 59 anos; mais de 50% dos pacientes necessitaram do uso de hipotensivos oculares. Da mesma forma, a gestão cirúrgica foi realizada em mais de 50% dos pacientes, sendo a descompressão orbital a intervenção mais frequente.

ABSTRACT Objective. To know the demographic and clinical characteristics of Thyroid Associated Orbitopathy (TAO), as well as the requirement rate of orbital surgery in patients of the Orbit Service in the National Medical Center of the West, IMSS. Methods. Observational, cross-cutting, descriptive and retrospective study carried out analyzing the records of patients diagnosed with TAO and treated at a third-level care center from January 2005 to July 2016. Results. A total of 236 orbits of 118 patients were valued, with an average age of 47.3 ± 13.2 years, 74.6% were female and 25.4% male. 4.2% of patients were treated with hypothyroidism, 94.1% with hyperthyroidism and 1.7% with diffuse toxic goiter. 44.9% of patients studied had eye movement restriction,10.2% exposure keratopathy and 51.7% intraocular hypertension. 34.7% of patients valued in the service required orbital decompression, 16.1% palpebral surgery and 8.5% strabism correction. In the conservative management of these patients 48.3% required the use of topical eye lubricants, while 52.5% required the use of eye hypotensives in variable numbers. Conclusions. TAO was mainly associated with hyperthyroidism, being more common in female patients between the age of 40 and 59; more than 50% of patients required the use of eye hypotensives. Likewise, surgical management was performed in more than 50% of patients, with orbital decompression being the most frequent intervention.

Graves' disease inducing a massive cardiac tamponade.

A 23-year-old woman was diagnosed with Graves' disease 5 months ago with decompensated thyroid function, for which she is taking thiamazole and propranolol. She developed progressive respiratory dyspnoea [New York Heart Association (NYHA) class III] and frequent palpitations. On emergency admission, the patient was tachypnoeic, hypotensive (77/54 mm Hg) and tachycardic (120 beats per minute), with an oxygen saturation of 94%. She also presented with cold, swollen and shaky extremities, with extended capillary filling time, and a significant reduction in heart sounds. Echocardiogram showed massive pericardial effusion compatible with cardiac tamponade. Pericardiocentesis was performed, with a drainage of 1420 mL serosanguinolent fluid, with prompt haemodynamic recovery. Analysis of the pericardial fluid showed exudates. A diagnosis of pericardial effusion secondary to Graves' disease was determined and corticotherapy, lithium carbonate, cholestyramine and phenobarbital were prescribed. An oral iodine-131 was performed and the patient showed reasonable control of the clinical manifestations of hyperthyroidism. After 3 months, the patient showed no symptoms of hyperthyroidism and a new echocardiogram revealed a significant reduction in pericardial effusion.

[Type 1 diabetes mellitus and Graves Basedow's disease, a case of Autoimmune Polyglandular Syndrome]. / Diabetes mellitus tipo 1 y enfermedad de Graves Basedow, un caso de Síndrome Poliglandular Autoinmune.

INTRODUCTION: Type 1 diabetes mellitus (T1DM) is one of the most frequent autoimmune diseases in childhood. Its diagnosis requires the search for other autoimmune diseases. OBJECTIVE: to present the case of a pediatric patient with two rare concomitant autoimmune endocrine diseases. CLINICAL CASE: A 12-year-old male with no significant morbid history, is hospitalized due to a 3-month clinical pic ture of fatigue, eye pain, intermittent eyelid edema, goiter, polyphagia, polydipsia, polyuria, and weight loss (12 kilograms), compatible with T1DM and Graves-Basedow disease. It was confir med by laboratory tests which showed elevated glycemia (207 mg/dL, HbA1C 10.9%), suppressed TSH (< 0.01 uIU/mL), elevated FT4 (6.99 ng/dL), and the presence of anti-autoantibodies thyroid peroxidase, antithyroglobulin, and anti-TSH receptor, along with suggestive ultrasound findings. Therefore, we established the diagnosis of autoimmune polyglandular syndrome (APS) 3A and initiated treatment with insulin, propranolol, and thiamazole. The patient evolved satisfactorily and was discharged with outpatient follow-up. CONCLUSION: We present the case of an adolescent who presented APS due to T1DM and hyperthyroidism. This APS may be more common than is reported in clinical practice. The alteration of two or more endocrine glands or other autoimmune diseases should make us suspect its diagnosis, with important clinical implications, such as co morbidity and quality of life prognosis.

Restless Legs Syndrome, and symptoms of Restless Syndrome in patients with Graves' disease: a cross-sectional survey.

OBJECTIVES: Restless legs syndrome (RLS) is a frequent comorbid condition associated with distinct unrelated diseases. While the incidence of RLS has not been definitively confirmed, RLS-like symptoms have been reported in a section of Asian population who also had hyperthyroidism. The prevalence of RLS is generally low in Asian populations. Under these circumstances, we hypothesized that in a population where RLS is common, such as in Brazil, RLS could manifest as a comorbid ailment alongside Graves' disease, a common hyperthyroid condition. METHODS: In a cross-sectional survey, 108 patients who presented with Graves' disease were analyzed for restless legs or associated symptoms. RESULTS: Twelve patients (11.1%) displayed symptoms of RLS prior to the incidence of Graves' disease. These patients experienced worsening of the symptoms during their hyperthyroid state. Six patients (5.6%) developed RLS, consequent upon the incidence of Graves' disease as per the consensus of the panel of the experts. Fifteen patients (13.9%) also presented with RLS-like symptoms without any discernible circadian feature of the syndrome. CONCLUSION: Our findings confirm that Graves' disease might trigger restless legs-like symptoms, while the condition of hyperthyroidism could also be complicated by definite RLS.

Acquired reactive perforating collagenosis in association with prostate adenocarcinoma, chronic lymphocytic leukemia, and Graves disease

Abstract Acquired reactive perforating collagenosis is a rare skin disorder characterized by the presence of umbilicated pruritic papules and nodules. Transepidermal elimination of altered and perforating bundles of basophilic collagen from the epidermis is a characteristic histologic feature of acquired reactive perforating collagenosis. Along with its well-known association with systemic diseases such as diabetes mellitus, chronic renal failure, and dermatomyositis, there are reports of acquired reactive perforating collagenosis being associated with malignancies. Herein, we present a case of acquired reactive perforating collagenosis associated with chronic lymphocytic leukemia, prostate adenocarcinoma, and Graves's disease. Clinicians are required to be more vigilant in evaluating patients with acquired reactive perforating collagenosis due to its unique association with malignancies and other systemic diseases.

Acquired reactive perforating collagenosis in association with prostate adenocarcinoma, chronic lymphocytic leukemia, and Graves' disease.

Acquired reactive perforating collagenosis is a rare skin disorder characterized by the presence of umbilicated pruritic papules and nodules. Transepidermal elimination of altered and perforating bundles of basophilic collagen from the epidermis is a characteristic histologic feature of acquired reactive perforating collagenosis. Along with its well-known association with systemic diseases such as diabetes mellitus, chronic renal failure, and dermatomyositis, there are reports of acquired reactive perforating collagenosis being associated with malignancies. Herein, we present a case of acquired reactive perforating collagenosis associated with chronic lymphocytic leukemia, prostate adenocarcinoma, and Graves's disease. Clinicians are required to be more vigilant in evaluating patients with acquired reactive perforating collagenosis due to its unique association with malignancies and other systemic diseases.

Cholestasis secondary to hyperthyroidism in Graves disease: report of one case / Colestasia en un paciente con hipertiroidismo por enfermedad de Graves: informe de un caso

ABSTRACT Hyperthyroidism can induce elevation in several liver function tests including aminotransferases, alkaline phosphatases and, less frequently, serum bilirubin. These alterations are usually mild and asymptomatic. We report a 26 year-old male presenting with palpitations, progressive jaundice, choluria and generalized itching. Laboratory tests were compatible with hyperthyroidism and a mild elevation of bilirubin, alkaline phosphatases and gamma glutamyl transpeptidase. A liver biopsy showed portal hepatitis with canalicular cholestasis. The patient was treated temporarily with glucocorticoids, cholestyramine and betablockade. Thereafter, he was treated with radioactive iodine, after which serum bilirubin decreased steadily until normalization in ten weeks.

El hipertiroidismo puede producir elevación de aminotransferasas, fosfatasas alcalinas y, menos frecuentemente, de bilirrubina sérica. Habitualmente, estas alteraciones son leves y asintomáticas. Reportamos un hombre de 26 años con hipertiroidismo secundario a enfermedad de Basedow-Graves, que debutó con un cuadro colestásico, inicialmente estudiado por sospecha de patología hepática autoinmune que incluyó biopsia hepática. Posteriormente, se diagnosticó hipertiroidismo que fue tratado con glucocorticoides, colestiramina y beta bloqueo como puente a terapia definitiva con radioyodo. La evolución mostró disminución progresiva hasta la normalización de bilirrubina sérica.

Cholestasis secondary to hyperthyroidism in Graves' disease. Report of one case.

Hyperthyroidism can induce elevation in several liver function tests including aminotransferases, alkaline phosphatases and, less frequently, serum bilirubin. These alterations are usually mild and asymptomatic. We report a 26 year-old male presenting with palpitations, progressive jaundice, choluria and generalized itching. Laboratory tests were compatible with hyperthyroidism and a mild elevation of bilirubin, alkaline phosphatases and gamma glutamyl transpeptidase. A liver biopsy showed portal hepatitis with canalicular cholestasis. The patient was treated temporarily with glucocorticoids, cholestyramine and betablockade. Thereafter, he was treated with radioactive iodine, after which serum bilirubin decreased steadily until normalization in ten weeks.

Restless Legs Syndrome, and symptoms of Restless Syndrome in patients with Graves disease: a cross-sectional survey

OBJECTIVES: Restless legs syndrome (RLS) is a frequent comorbid condition associated with distinct unrelated diseases. While the incidence of RLS has not been definitively confirmed, RLS-like symptoms have been reported in a section of Asian population who also had hyperthyroidism. The prevalence of RLS is generally low in Asian populations. Under these circumstances, we hypothesized that in a population where RLS is common, such as in Brazil, RLS could manifest as a comorbid ailment alongside Graves' disease, a common hyperthyroid condition. METHODS: In a cross-sectional survey, 108 patients who presented with Graves' disease were analyzed for restless legs or associated symptoms. RESULTS: Twelve patients (11.1%) displayed symptoms of RLS prior to the incidence of Graves' disease. These patients experienced worsening of the symptoms during their hyperthyroid state. Six patients (5.6%) developed RLS, consequent upon the incidence of Graves' disease as per the consensus of the panel of the experts. Fifteen patients (13.9%) also presented with RLS-like symptoms without any discernible circadian feature of the syndrome. CONCLUSION: Our findings confirm that Graves' disease might trigger restless legs-like symptoms, while the condition of hyperthyroidism could also be complicated by definite RLS.