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Thyroid gland volume and thyroid function during and after acute hepatitis infection.
Metabolism: Clinical and Experimental
|June 1, 1986
Summary
Acute viral hepatitis causes significant thyroid enlargement and goiter, which resolves after recovery. This study observed increased thyroid volume during illness, normalizing post-recovery, though the exact cause remains unclear.
Area of Science:
- Endocrinology
- Hepatology
- Internal Medicine
Background:
- Acute viral hepatitis can impact various organ systems.
- Thyroid function abnormalities have been anecdotally reported in liver disease.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate thyroid function, goiter prevalence, and thyroid gland volume in patients with acute viral hepatitis.
- To compare thyroid parameters during acute illness and after recovery with matched controls.
Main Methods:
- Prospective study of 23 nonalcoholic patients with acute viral hepatitis.
- Thyroid function tests, goiter assessment, and ultrasonography for thyroid volume measurement.
- Comparison with 23 matched healthy controls.
Main Results:
- Seven patients had goiter during hepatitis, reducing to one post-recovery (P < 0.05).
- Median thyroid volume increased significantly during acute hepatitis (28 mL) compared to recovery (18 mL) and controls (17 mL) (P < 0.001).
- Thyroxine, thyroxine-binding globulin, and free thyroxine index were elevated; triiodothyronine and thyrotropin levels were unchanged; triiodothyronine resin uptake and free triiodothyronine index were decreased during acute hepatitis. All normalized post-recovery.
Conclusions:
- Acute viral hepatitis is associated with a significant increase in thyroid volume and goiter prevalence.
- Thyroid function tests show distinct alterations during acute hepatitis, normalizing upon recovery.
- The underlying mechanism for hepatitis-induced thyroid enlargement requires further investigation.
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