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[Untreated hyperthyroidism with severe cardiac complication in adolescence--a case study]
Márta Szokó1, Gizella Mayer, Gábor Simon
1Fejér Megyei Szent György Kórház, Csecsemo- és Gyermekosztály, Székesfehérvár.
Orvosi Hetilap
|May 18, 2005
Summary
Severe cardiac issues in a teen were caused by an overactive thyroid (hyperthyroidism). Prompt diagnosis and treatment, including surgery, led to a full recovery, highlighting the importance of early intervention for this rare childhood endocrine syndrome.
Area of Science:
- Pediatric Endocrinology
- Cardiology
- Autoimmune Diseases
Background:
- Thyroid dysfunction can present with severe cardiovascular complications, even in pediatric patients.
- Autoimmune thyroid disease is a rare cause of cardiac failure in children.
Observation:
- A 16-year-old male presented with severe cardiac failure, including pulmonary and systemic circulation stagnation, low ejection fraction (29%), pericardial effusion, and atrial flutter.
- Diagnostic workup identified extreme hyperthyroidism as the etiology of the cardiac decompensation.
Findings:
- Medical stabilization of cardiac and thyroid function was achieved with pharmacotherapy.
- Subtotal thyroidectomy was performed due to socioeconomic factors precluding long-term medical management.
- Cardioversion successfully treated the atrial flutter, and the patient was discharged with normalized cardiac and thyroid function.
Implications:
- This case underscores the critical need for early diagnosis and management of endocrine disorders presenting with cardiac manifestations in children.
- Prompt and adequate therapy is essential for achieving favorable long-term outcomes in pediatric patients with autoimmune endocrine syndromes.
- Highlights the potential for severe cardiac compromise secondary to hyperthyroidism in adolescents.