Plasmapheresis in the treatment of hyperthyroidism associated with agranulocytosis: A case report

Birol Guvenc1, Cagatay Unsal, Emel Gurkan

  • 1Division of Hematology, Cukurova University, Faculty of Medicine, Adana, Turkey. bguvenc@cu.edu.tr

Plasmapheresis, also known as therapeutic plasma exchange, is used in the treatment of several disorders. Temporary improvement after plasmapheresis in cases with thyrotoxicosis has been reported. A 55-year-old woman presented with agranulocytosis induced by propylthiouracil and clinical signs of heart failure. Three sessions of plasmapheresis were performed. We observed an improvement of thyroid hormone levels and clinical findings as well. Plasmapheresis can be an option when drug treatment of thyrotoxicosis fails.

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