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Published on: September 2, 2021
Graves' disease as an uncommon cause of acute pericarditis
Kirsten A Kortekaas, Kirsten Kortekaas1, Bas van der Lienden
1Onze Lieve Vrouwe Gasthuis, Amsterdam, The Netherlands.
Insights
Acute pericarditis, an inflammation of the heart lining, can be an uncommon complication of Graves' disease. Prompt treatment combining anti-inflammatory drugs and hyperthyroidism management is crucial for better outcomes.
Area of Science:
- Cardiology
- Endocrinology
Background:
- Acute pericarditis presents in dry, fibrinous, or effusive forms, irrespective of the underlying cause.
- Graves' disease, an autoimmune thyroid disorder, can rarely lead to cardiac complications like pericarditis.
Observation:
- A case study of a 44-year-old man with acute pericarditis is presented.
- The pericarditis was linked to an exacerbation of Graves' disease, stemming from treatment non-compliance.
Findings:
- Pericarditis is an infrequent cardiac manifestation of Graves' disease.
- Undetected or poorly managed pericarditis in Graves' disease patients is associated with increased recurrence rates.
Implications:
- Effective management requires a dual approach: anti-inflammatory medications for pericarditis and treatment for hyperthyroidism.
- Further research is needed to clarify the precise pathophysiological mechanisms connecting Graves' disease and pericarditis.
Abstract:
Acute pericarditis is either dry, fibrinous or effusive, independent of its aetiology. A case is presented involving a 44-year-old man with acute pericarditis. The cause was established to be an aggravation of Graves' disease due to non-compliance with treatment. Pericarditis is an uncommon cardiac complication of Graves' disease and is associated with more recurrent episodes when not detected. Pharmacological treatment should include anti-inflammatory drugs in combination with treatment for hyperthyroidism. The specific pathophysiological link between the two conditions is still to be elucidated.
Related Concept Videos
Pericarditis I: Introduction
Graves' Disease I: Introduction
Pericarditis II: Clinical Features and Diagnostic Tests
Graves Disease II: Pathophysiology
Pericarditis III: Medical Management
Pericarditis IV: Nursing Management

