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Updated: Jul 14, 2026

Synchronous Triplanar Reconstruction Integrated with Color Doppler Mapping for Precise and Rapid Localization of Thyroid Lesions
Published on: February 9, 2024
Hyperthyroidism due to coexistence of Graves' disease and Struma ovarii
Maria G Chiofalo1, Claudia Misso, Luigi Insabato
1Department of Surgical Oncology, National Cancer Institute, Naples, Italy.
Objective:
To report an unusual case of persistent thyrotoxicosis after treatment of Graves' disease, because of coexistence of struma ovarii.
Methods:
We report the clinical history, imaging studies, laboratory and pathologic data, and treatment in a patient with persistent hyperthyroidism after surgical treatment of Graves' disease. In addition, we discuss some aspects of the pathogenesis of hyperthyroidism due to functioning struma ovarii.
Results:
A 42-year-old woman underwent near-total thyroidectomy for treatment of Graves' disease. Post-operatively, hyperthyroidism was still present. Methimazole was administered again, and performance of a 131I whole-body scan demonstrated a focus of intense uptake in the pelvis. Pelvic ultrasonography revealed a mass (11 by 8 by 7.1 cm) arising from the right ovary, with both solid and cystic components. Abdominal surgical exploration was performed, and the final histologic diagnosis was struma ovarii. The symptoms of hyperthyroidism diminished, and 3 weeks postoperatively, the thyroid hormone levels were in the hypothyroid range.
Conclusion:
In patients with refractory hyperthyroidism after thyroid surgical treatment, radioiodine scanning should be performed to diagnose or exclude the functioning profile of ovarian masses.
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Graves' Disease I: Introduction
Graves Disease II: Pathophysiology
Hyperthyroidism I: Introduction
Hyperthyroidism II: Pathophysiology
Hypothyroidism II: Pathophysiology
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