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Published on: December 15, 2011
Chronic idiopathic urticaria and Graves' disease
R M Ruggeri1, S Imbesi, S Saitta
1Unit of Endocrinology, Department of Clinical and Experimental Medicine, University of Messina, Messina, Italy. rmruggeri@unime.it
Journal of Endocrinological Investigation
|April 24, 2013
Summary
Chronic urticaria, often idiopathic, is linked to autoimmune disorders. This review focuses on the connection between Graves' disease and chronic idiopathic urticaria, exploring its causes and implications.
Area of Science:
- Immunology
- Dermatology
- Endocrinology
Background:
- Chronic urticaria (CU) involves recurrent skin reactions lasting over 6 weeks.
- Chronic idiopathic urticaria (CIU) accounts for ~75% of CU cases with unknown causes.
- CIU is increasingly recognized as an autoimmune disorder involving autoantibodies against IgE receptors or IgE.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review the association between Graves' disease and chronic idiopathic urticaria.
- To discuss potential pathogenetic mechanisms linking these conditions.
- To explore the clinical implications of the Graves' disease-CIU association.
Main Methods:
- Literature review focusing on autoimmune thyroid diseases and CIU.
- Specific examination of studies investigating Graves' disease and CIU.
- Discussion of pathogenetic pathways and clinical relevance.
Main Results:
- CIU is often autoimmune, with autoantibodies targeting mast cell IgE receptors or IgE.
- Autoimmune thyroid diseases, including Graves' disease, are frequently associated with CIU.
- This association provides indirect evidence for the autoimmune nature of CIU.
Conclusions:
- The autoimmune basis of CIU is supported by its association with other autoimmune conditions like Graves' disease.
- Understanding these links is crucial for managing CIU patients.
- Further research into pathogenetic mechanisms is warranted.
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