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[Two cases of acute hepatitis E in patients with hyperthyroidism]
Seung Jin Kong1, Seul Ki Min, Ick Keun Kim
1Department of Internal Medicine, Hallym University College of Medicine, Chunchon, Gangwon Province, Korea.
The Korean Journal of Gastroenterology = Taehan Sohwagi Hakhoe Chi
|January 26, 2006
Summary
Hepatitis E virus (HEV) infection may be linked to hyperthyroidism. This study reports two cases of concurrent acute HEV infection and hyperthyroidism, suggesting a potential association.
Area of Science:
- Hepatology
- Infectious Diseases
- Endocrinology
Background:
- Acute hepatitis E, caused by the Hepatitis E virus (HEV), is common in endemic regions but occurs sporadically worldwide.
- HEV infection is rarely reported in Korea.
- Hyperthyroidism is a condition where the thyroid gland produces too much thyroid hormone.
Observation:
- This study reports two rare cases of concurrent acute HEV infection and hyperthyroidism in Korean patients.
- The first patient had subclinical hyperthyroidism while on propylthiouracil treatment.
- The second patient had Graves' disease, a form of hyperthyroidism, that was resistant to propylthiouracil.
Findings:
- The findings suggest a possible association between acute HEV infection and the development or exacerbation of hyperthyroidism.
- HEV infection may trigger or worsen thyroid dysfunction in susceptible individuals.
Implications:
- Further research is warranted to elucidate the mechanisms underlying the potential link between HEV and hyperthyroidism.
- This association could have implications for the diagnosis and management of both conditions, particularly in regions where HEV is endemic.