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[Dysthyroid ophthalmopathy associated with hypothyroidism]
C Maciá-Bobes1, A Ronzón-Fernández
1Departamento de Medicina Interna, Hospital San Agustín, Avilés, Asturias, España. cmacb@arrakis.es
Archivos De La Sociedad Espanola De Oftalmologia
|November 28, 2007
Summary
Graves' disease can coexist with hypothyroidism, an exceptional but possible diagnosis. This case highlights ophthalmopathy and positive antibodies as key indicators for Graves' disease, even with thyroid dysfunction.
Area of Science:
- Endocrinology
- Immunology
Background:
- Graves' ophthalmopathy is typically linked to hyperthyroidism.
- Thyroid dysfunction can present in various forms, including subclinical and primary hypothyroidism.
Observation:
- A patient initially diagnosed with subclinical hypothyroidism and treated with thyroxine developed bilateral exophthalmos.
- Serum analysis revealed thyrotropin receptor antibodies, a marker for Graves' disease.
Findings:
- The patient's condition evolved into primary hypothyroidism after thyroxine treatment cessation.
- Diagnosis confirmed Graves' disease coexisting with hypothyroidism, indicated by ophthalmopathy and positive antibodies.
Implications:
- This case underscores the possibility of concurrent hypothyroidism and Graves' disease.
- Ophthalmopathy and specific antibody presence are crucial diagnostic markers for Graves' disease, irrespective of thyroid status.
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