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[Multiple sclerosis and Basedow disease, a more than coincidental association?]
Der Nervenarzt
|April 1, 1985
Summary
Graves' disease patients with exophthalmos may develop cervical myelitis. This association, observed in two HLA-DR4 positive women, suggests a link between thyroid and central nervous system autoimmune disorders.
Area of Science:
- Neurology
- Immunology
- Endocrinology
Background:
- Graves' disease is an autoimmune disorder affecting the thyroid gland, often associated with ophthalmopathy (exophthalmos).
- Cervical myelitis is an inflammatory condition affecting the spinal cord, leading to neurological deficits.
Observation:
- Two young women with Graves' disease and significant exophthalmos presented with cervical myelitis.
- Both patients shared the same human leukocyte antigen (HLA) type: HLA-DR4.
Findings:
- The clinical presentation in both patients was similar, indicating a potential shared underlying mechanism.
- The presence of HLA-DR4 in both affected individuals suggests a possible genetic predisposition or association.
Implications:
- This case series highlights a potential association between autoimmune thyroid disease (Graves' disease) and central nervous system (CNS) inflammation (myelitis).
- Further research is warranted to explore the immunological links and genetic factors (like HLA-DR4) connecting these seemingly distinct autoimmune conditions.