Double trouble - thyro-pericarditis: rare presentation of Graves' disease as pericarditis-a case report

Acute pericarditis is frequently encountered in clinical practice; however, pericarditis as the first presentation of Graves' disease is rare and mainly limited to case reports in the literature. We hereby report a case in which a young patient presented with pericarditis as the first manifestation of Graves' disease.

A 24-year-old male was admitted to hospital with presenting complaint of left-sided chest pain, gradual in onset, 6/10 in intensity, sharp in character, increased by deep breathing and improved by leaning forward. Patient also gave a history of insomnia, unintentional weight loss despite a good appetite, heat intolerance, and anxiety. On clinical examination, the patient had features of thyrotoxicosis, i.e., tachycardia, high volume pulse, and sweaty palms with fine tremors. There was no associated pericardial rub. Neck examination shows diffuse, non-tender goitre. Electrocardiogram findings were consistent with acute pericarditis. His thyroid function tests demonstrated hyperthyroidism and anti-thyroglobulin antibodies were also significantly elevated. Echocardiogram showed preserved left ventricular systolic function and a small global pericardial effusion without any signs of tamponade. He was diagnosed with Graves' disease revealing itself as pericarditis and was started on ibuprofen, beta-blockers, and carbimazole. Patient had marked clinical and biochemical improvement on 3 monthly follow-ups.

Thyro-pericarditis is a rare entity, and limited literature is available regarding this combination. The exact aetiology of Graves associated pericarditis is unknown. There is a possibility of interaction of autoantibodies with receptors on pericardium. Diagnosis is based on a detailed history, clinical examination, supplemented by relevant investigations (elevated free T4 and thyroid receptor antibodies, suppressed thyroid stimulating hormone (TSH) and Imaging via ultrasound). Mainstay of treatment includes non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs, beta-blockers, and anti-thyroidal medications.