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Thyrotoxicosis Misdiagnosed as Long Covid by Telemedicine - A Cautionary Tale

  • 0Department of Internal Medicine, Asanogawa General Hospital, Kanazawa, Japan.
European Journal of Case Reports in Internal Medicine +

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February 14, 2024

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February 14, 2024

View abstract on PubMed

Summary

This summary is machine-generated.

Graves' disease (GD) can mimic long COVID symptoms. Telemedicine may delay GD diagnosis, but persistent fever and tachycardia after SARS-CoV-2 infection are key indicators for in-person evaluation.

Area Of Science

  • Endocrinology
  • Infectious Diseases
  • Telemedicine

Background

  • Post-coronavirus disease (long COVID) presents nonspecific symptoms that overlap with Graves' disease (GD).
  • Telemedicine, while crucial for infection control, poses diagnostic challenges due to the absence of physical examination.
  • Differentiating long COVID from GD is critical for accurate patient management.

Purpose Of The Study

  • To highlight the potential for delayed Graves' disease diagnosis in patients with a history of SARS-CoV-2 infection presenting with long COVID symptoms.
  • To identify telemedicine-detectable signs suggestive of Graves' disease in the context of post-SARS-CoV-2 conditions.

Main Methods

  • A case study of a 27-year-old woman diagnosed with Graves' disease after a SARS-CoV-2 infection.
  • Review of symptoms and diagnostic challenges in telemedicine consultations for patients with overlapping long COVID and Graves' disease presentations.
  • Analysis of specific clinical findings observable via telemedicine that may indicate Graves' disease.

Main Results

  • The patient, initially diagnosed with long COVID via telemedicine, was later confirmed to have Graves' disease upon in-person examination.
  • Low-grade fever and tachycardia, common in Graves' disease, were noted as symptoms that can be detected during telemedicine visits.
  • These specific symptoms are less characteristic of long COVID, suggesting their utility as diagnostic clues.

Conclusions

  • Telemedicine may lead to delayed diagnosis of Graves' disease in patients with recent SARS-CoV-2 infection.
  • Persistent low-grade fever and tachycardia detected via telemedicine can serve as crucial indicators for suspecting Graves' disease.
  • In-person examinations are recommended when these specific symptoms are identified during telemedicine consultations for post-SARS-CoV-2 patients.

Keywords:

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