[Hyperthyroidism as a rare cause of "false acute abdomen"]

4 patients affected by hyperthyroidism presenting a feature of "false acute abdomen" as main clinical sign are presented. The low incidence of that association, according to the literature, and the difficulties of a correct diagnosis, which could lead to a useless laparotomy is pointed out. The conclusion is drawn that tests of thyroid functions should be done whenever the feature of acute abdomen presents without any past history of gastro-enteric lesions.