Graves' disease in patients with 22q11.2 deletion

H Kawame1, M Adachi, K Tachibana

  • 1Division of Clinical and Molecular Genetics, Shinshu University Hospital, Nagano, Japan.

The Journal of Pediatrics
|December 18, 2001
PubMed

Insights

22q11.2 deletion syndrome is linked to Graves' disease in children and adults. This study suggests Graves' disease may be part of the 22q11.2 deletion syndrome

Area of Science:

  • Genetics
  • Endocrinology
  • Pediatrics

Background:

  • 22q11.2 deletion syndrome is a common genetic disorder.
  • Graves' disease is an autoimmune disorder causing hyperthyroidism.
  • The association between 22q11.2 deletion syndrome and Graves' disease is not well-established.

Observation:

  • Five patients (4 female, 1 male) with 22q11.2 deletion syndrome were diagnosed with Graves' disease.
  • Diagnoses occurred at ages ranging from 27 months to 17 years.
  • One infant presented with seizures alongside hyperthyroid symptoms.

Findings:

  • All patients exhibited elevated thyroid hormones and suppressed TSH levels, consistent with hyperthyroidism.
  • Clinical presentations were typical for hyperthyroidism.
  • The findings suggest a potential link between the genetic deletion and the autoimmune thyroid condition.

Implications:

  • Graves' disease may be a component of the 22q11.2 deletion syndrome's clinical spectrum.
  • This association warrants further investigation and consideration in clinical practice.
  • Early recognition of Graves' disease in individuals with 22q11.2 deletion syndrome is crucial for timely management.

Related Concept Videos

Graves' Disease I: Introduction01:28

Graves' Disease I: Introduction

Graves' disease is an autoimmune disorder that causes hyperthyroidism, or overactivity of the thyroid gland. It results from autoantibodies called thyroid-stimulating immunoglobulins (TSIs), which bind to thyroid-stimulating hormone (TSH) receptors, leading to overstimulation of hormone production and a hypermetabolic state.EtiologyAlthough considered idiopathic, Graves’ disease has well-established contributing factors. There is a strong genetic component, with increased prevalence in...
Graves Disease II: Pathophysiology01:24

Graves Disease II: Pathophysiology

Graves’ disease is an autoimmune disorder characterized by the production of thyroid-stimulating immunoglobulins (TSI) that activate TSH receptors, leading to excessive synthesis and release of thyroid hormones (T3 and T4) and resulting in hyperthyroidism.Among all causes of hyperthyroidism, Graves’ disease is the most common and can happen at any age, though it is more frequent in women. It produces a hypermetabolic state with features such as weight loss, tachycardia, tremor, and heat...
Hyperthyroidism I: Introduction01:25

Hyperthyroidism I: Introduction

Hyperthyroidism is a type of thyrotoxicosis characterized by the thyroid gland's overproduction of the thyroid hormones triiodothyronine (T3) and thyroxine (T4). This hormone excess increases the basal metabolic rate and enhances sensitivity to catecholamines.DiagnosisDiagnosis is based on clinical features and biochemical testing. It typically shows suppressed thyroid-stimulating hormone (TSH) levels below 0.4 mIU/L, with elevated free T3 and/or T4. Additional tests, including thyroid...
Hyperthyroidism II: Pathophysiology01:27

Hyperthyroidism II: Pathophysiology

Hyperthyroidism is a hypermetabolic state caused by elevated levels of thyroid hormones, triiodothyronine (T3) and thyroxine (T4). It results from dysregulation at the thyroid, pituitary, or immune system level and affects multiple organ systems.PathophysiologyThe most common cause of hyperthyroidism is Graves’ disease, an autoimmune disorder in which antibodies, specifically thyroid-stimulating antibodies (TSAb), a subtype of TSH receptor antibodies (TRAb), bind to and activate TSH receptors...
Goiter01:27

Goiter

Goiter refers to an abnormal enlargement of the thyroid gland that may appear as a diffuse goiter (uniform enlargement) or nodular (single or multiple nodules). Functionally, it is classified as nontoxic (normal/low hormone levels) or toxic (excess hormone production).PathophysiologyDiffuse thyroid enlargement typically results from prolonged stimulation by thyroid-stimulating hormone (TSH) or TSH-like agents, commonly seen in hypothyroidism or iodine deficiency. In contrast, in hyperthyroid...
Glucose Transporters01:27

Glucose Transporters

Glucose transporters facilitate the transport of glucose across the cell membrane. In addition to glucose, some glucose transporters can also aid the movement of other hexoses such as fructose, mannose, and galactose.
Facilitated diffusion-glucose transporters (GLUTs) are encoded by the solute-linked carrier (SLC) family 2, subfamily A gene family, or SLC2A. The 14 GLUT protein members are distributed into three classes: