Graves' disease combined with autoimmune pericarditis - A case report
Journal
Acta Cardiologica Sinica
Journal Volume
13
Journal Issue
2
Pages
112-116
Date Issued
1997
Author(s)
Abstract
Background. A variety of autoimmune diseases may have pericardial involvement. However, Graves' disease, as one of the autoimmune diseases, rarely has concomitant autoimmune pericarditis. Methods and Results. A 20- year-old female patient had received subtotal thyroidectomy for hyperthyroidism six years before admission. She had suffered from exertional dyspnea and weakness for the year just past. Bilateral exophthalmus, elevated jugular venous pressure, massive ascites and leg edema were noted. Laboratory results noted hyperthyroid state. Graves' disease was diagnosed based on hyperthyroidism with ophthalmopathy and positive thyroid-stimulating hormone (TSH) receptor antibody. Effusive-constrictive pericarditis was diagnosed by echocardiography and pericardiectomy. Pathology of the pericardium showed perivascular infiltration of neutrophils and nuclear dusts (leukocytoclastic vasculitis), which was characteristic of autoimmune pericarditis. No evidence of tuberculous pericarditis or malignant cells was found. Conclusions. A unique case of Graves' disease combined with autoimmune pericarditis is presented. Such an association has not previously been reported in the literature. Early diagnosis and treatment is important.
SDGs
Other Subjects
adult; article; ascites; autoimmunity; case report; disease association; dyspnea; echocardiography; exophthalmos; female; graves disease; human; hyperthyroidism; leg edema; muscle weakness; pericardiectomy; pericarditis
Type
journal article