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Updated: Jun 12, 2026

Generation of a Mouse Spontaneous Autoimmune Thyroiditis Model
Published on: March 17, 2023
[HIV-therapy-associated immune reconstitution syndrome presenting as immunogenic hyperthyroidism]
N A H Ho1, R E Schmidt, G Behrens
1Klinik für Immunologie und Rheumatologie, Medizinische Hochschule Hannover.
History And Clinical Findings:
A 51-year-old man infected with HIV-1 presented with weight loss, weakness, fever, agitation, tachycardia and tremor first occurring three year after initiation of antiretroviral therapy.
Investigations:
The electrocardiogram showed atrial fibrillation. Laboratory findings revealed hyperthyroidism with fully suppressed thyroid stimulating hormone (TSH). Antibodies against thyroid globulin and TSH-receptor were markedly increased. Both alpha-fodrin antibodies and antinuclear antibodies were abnormal. Retrospective analysis revealed an association of hyperthyroidism and the presence of autoantibodies with a sudden immune reconstitution under HIV-therapy.
Diagnosis, Treatment And Course:
An immune reconstitution inflammatory syndrome (IRIS) presenting as Graves's disease was diagnosed and treated with radioiodide. The patient recovered to clinical euthyroidism while antiretroviral treatment remained unchanged.
Conclusion:
IRIS against infectious or self-antigens during HIV treatment results from local or systemic inflammatory imbalances. IRIS with autoimmune manifestations may occur even years after initiation of an effective antiretroviral therapy.
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