scholarly journals SUN-525 Successful Surgical Management of Graves’ Disease in Pregnancy

2020 ◽  
Vol 4 (Supplement_1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Dalal Ali ◽  
Gabriela Balan ◽  
Wan Aizad Wan Mahmood ◽  
Enda McDermott ◽  
Rachel Crowley

Abstract Background: Total thyroidectomy in pregnancy is not a widely used approach for management of Graves’ disease (GD) but is indicated when thyrotoxicosis persists in spite of efforts to optimise thyroid status. Clinical case: A 27-year-old lady with history of GD, presented at the 9th week of her second pregnancy. She had been counselled about anti-thyroid medications but was on carbimazole (CBZ) 30 mg tds and propranolol LA 80 mg od at presentation. She complained of palpitations, heat intolerance, irritability, weight loss and difficulty swallowing. On clinical examination, she had a heart rate of > 100/min and diffusely enlarged goiter with a bruit. Thyroid Ultrasound showed a right lobe of 6.5 x 2.8 x 2.7 cm and left lobe 5.3 x 2.6 x 2.4 cm. Free thyroxine (FT4) was 42.3 pmol/L (12–22), free triiodothyronine (FT3) 9.09 nmol/L (1.3–3.1), and TSH < 0.01 mIU/L (0.27–4.2). TRAB titer was >40 IU/L (0.0–1.75). She was advised to switch to propylthiouracil (PTU) and labetalol to minimize fetal adverse outcomes. She reported that she was unable to afford PTU and requested a switch back to CBZ. During her course of therapy, she had recurrent admissions with thyrotoxicosis, tachycardia, panic attacks and difficulty in swallowing. A decision was made to manage her with total thyroidectomy in the second trimester. She was treated with Lugol’s iodine, beta blockers and CBZ 2 weeks prior to her surgery and there were no immediate post-operative adverse events. Histology was consistent with GD. Her post-op TRAB titer remained >40 IU/L until present. She delivered at 28 weeks of gestation due to threatened premature labor a baby boy who had neonatal thyrotoxicosis, required admission to the neonatal ICU and therapy with flecanide and CBZ. His TSH was 0.09 mIU/L, (FT4) 68.7 pmol/L and TRAB 19.4 IU/L. He is currently 18 months old, well and not on any medications. Conclusion: Poor control of thyrotoxicosis is associated with pregnancy loss, prematurity, stillbirth, thyroid storm, and maternal congestive heart failure. Therefore, pre-pregnancy counseling is crucial to establish Euthyroid state for the safety of mother and fetus. Reference: (1) Davis LE, Lucas MJ, Hankins GD, Roark ML, Cunningham FG. Thyrotoxicosis complicating pregnancy. Am J Obstet Gynecol. 1989;160:63–70. doi: 10.1016/0002-9378(89)90088-4. (2) Vini L, Hyer S, Pratt B, et al. Management of differentiated thyroid cancer diagnosed during pregnancy. Eur J Endocrinol. 1999;140:404–406.

2020 ◽  
Author(s):  
Robert B. Martin ◽  
Brian Casey

Thyroid physiologic adaptations in pregnancy may be confused with pathologic changes. Human chorionic gonadotropin rises early in pregnancy, stimulating thyrotropin secretion and suppressing thyroid stimulating hormone. These chemical changes are often seen in hyperemesis gravidarum and gestational transient thyrotoxicosis. Therefore, mild thyrotoxicosis may be difficult to differentiate from early pregnancy thyroxine stimulation.  However, overt hyperthyroidism usually includes classic symptoms seen outside of pregnancy in addition to suppressed TSH and T4 levels. Treatment includes thionamides propylthiouracil and methimazole.  Thyroid ablation is contraindicated in pregnancy. Often, in affected women, the fetus is euthyroid, but neonates can develop hyper or hypothyroidism with or without a goiter. Lastly, thyroid storm, though rare, is life threatening. Often presenting as a hypermetabolic state with cardiomyopathy and pulmonary hypertension, it generally results from decompensation from preeclampsia, anemia, sepsis, or surgery.  Treatment requires intensive care level management, with initiation of thionamides, iodine, and beta blockers.   This review contains 2 figures, 4 tables and 38 references. Keywords: Thyroid-releasing hormong, thyroid-stimulating hormone, thyromegaly, thyroid-stimulating immunoglobulins, thryotoxicosis, thionamides, thyroid storm


2021 ◽  
Vol 14 (6) ◽  
pp. e243534
Author(s):  
Soban Ahmad ◽  
Amman Yousaf ◽  
Shoaib Muhammad ◽  
Fariha Ghaffar

Simultaneous occurrences of diabetic ketoacidosis (DKA) and thyroid storm have long been known, but only a few cases have been reported to date. Both these endocrine emergencies demand timely diagnosis and management to prevent adverse outcomes. Due to the similarities in their clinical presentation, DKA can mask the diagnosis of thyroid storm and vice versa. This case report describes a patient with Graves’ disease who presented to the emergency department with nausea, vomiting and abdominal pain. He was found to have severe DKA without an explicit history of diabetes mellitus. Further evaluation revealed that the patient also had a concomitant thyroid storm that was the likely cause of his DKA. Early recognition and appropriate management of both conditions resulted in a favourable outcome. This paper emphasises that a simultaneous thyroid storm diagnosis should be considered in patients with DKA, especially those with a known history of thyroid disorders.


2019 ◽  
Vol 2019 ◽  
pp. 1-5
Author(s):  
Adrian Reber ◽  
Laura Valenti ◽  
Stephan Müller

In patients with failed hormone regulation who are scheduled for indispensable total thyroidectomy, the risk of thyroid storm with severe end-organ complications has to be anticipated. This case report presents the successful surgical and anaesthesiological management of a patient with Graves’ disease, without any signs of perioperative thyroid storm. Possible recommendations for treatment are presented.


2018 ◽  
Vol 100 (8) ◽  
pp. e223-e225
Author(s):  
A Matsushita ◽  
S Hosokawa ◽  
D Mochizuki ◽  
J Okamura ◽  
K Funai ◽  
...  

Huge cervical and mediastinal masses may lead to acute respiratory failure caused by laryngotracheal compression and airway obstruction. Thyroid storm is also a life-threatening endocrine emergency originating almost exclusively from uncontrolled Graves’ disease. We report a case of a 42-year-old man with acute upper airway obstruction and tachycardia from progressive swelling of a giant thyroid, in conjunction with thyroid storm resulting from uncontrolled Graves’ disease. Fibreoptic-assisted nasal intubation was performed while the patient was awake, immediately followed by emergency total thyroidectomy via a cervical and sternal approach. The patient had an uneventful postoperative course and recovered well. Respiratory failure due to swelling of a giant thyroid is a life-threatening condition and should be treated immediately with endotracheal intubation while the patient is awake following emergent total thyroidectomy, even with a sternotomy.


2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
Manabu Yasuda ◽  
Jun Kumakura ◽  
Oka Kiyonori ◽  
Kazuhito Fukuda

Abstract BackgroundGraves' disease is characterized by hyperthyroidism and the symptoms of Graves' disease often overlap with those of panic disorder, which may make it difficult to distinguish between the two conditions. In this report, we describe how proper diagnosis of thyroid disease in patients with mental illness can lead to appropriate treatment.Case presentationWe encountered a 34-year-old woman in whom thyroid crisis from Graves’ disease was misdiagnosed as panic attack. The patient was being managed as a case of panic disorder and bipolar disorder in a psychiatric outpatient setting. About 6 months before presentation, she had lost about 16 kg in weight, and a month before presentation, she developed several unpleasant symptoms as her condition worsened. Several weeks before, she had severe palpitations, tachycardia, and discomfort in her throat. She became unable to eat solids and ate only yogurt and gelatin and felt difficult to take psychiatric drugs.A day on the Sunday morning, she visited our department of emergency outpatient with severe nausea. Examination revealed proptosis, and so thyroid function tests were requested in addition to routine blood tests. There was no improvement in her condition, and she returned to hospital in the early hours of the next morning. Based on her symptoms, she was diagnosed as having panic attacks due to panic disorder and was given diazepam injection and allowed to go home. There was no suspicion of Graves' disease.Later that day, the thyroid function test results became available and thyroid storm was suspected. The endocrinology department was consulted immediately and she was referred and hospitalized the next day. During hospitalization, she was treated with steroid and radioisotope therapy, and was discharged from hospital in three weeks. ConclusionPsychiatrists and doctors engaged in psychosomatic medicine need to consider the possibility of thyroid disease as a differential diagnosis of panic disorder. It is necessary to check thyroid function at the initial examination when a patient presents with symptoms of severe panic attack.


2020 ◽  
Vol 4 (Supplement_1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Mohamad Hosam Horani ◽  
Ryan M Brooks ◽  
Bianca Vazques ◽  
Robert Arashahi ◽  
Mustapha Khan

Abstract Introduction: Thyrotoxicosis in pregnancy presents the challenge of maintaining a normal level of maternal free thyroid hormone, while minimizing adverse drug effects, obstetric complications, and the risk fetal hypothyroidism. Propylthiouracil is used for treatment in the first trimester with thyroidectomy typically performed in the second trimester if PTU/ MTZ are intolerable or if thyrotoxicosis persists. When thyroidectomy is indicated, thyroid hormone levels must be normalized prior to the operation, as there is risk of thyroid storm that can occur during and up to several hours postoperatively. In such cases, preoperative plasmapheresis may be considered. Case Presentation: We present a 24 year old G2P0101 Hispanic female who reported to the ED with throat pain, chills, tachycardia, and shortness of breath who was found to have a TSH less than 0.005, free T4 3.15, elevated alkaline phosphatase, and an incidentally discovered early pregnancy approximately 4 - 6 weeks gestation. Medical history includes hyperthyroidism with over ten hospitalizations for thyrotoxicosis within the last three years and preterm delivery during her first pregnancy. A recent thyroid biopsy in 2017 showed a benign multinodular goiter. She had been taking methimazole and current CT of the neck demonstrated marked thyroid goiter with mild tracheal narrowing and mild tonsillitis. She was discharged on propylthiouracil 100 mg TID, metoprolol 25 mg TID, and augmentin 875 mg BID with the goal of decreasing her free T4 and T3 in preparation for thyroidectomy. Four days later, the patient returned to the ED with similar symptoms. Labs revealed TSH 0.001, free T4 3.70, FreeT3 15.1 WBC 3.1, platelets 103, and elevated total bilirubin, transaminases, and alkaline phosphatase. EKG demonstrated sinus tachycardia with minimal diffuse ST depression. Ultrasound showed a 0.34 cm round hypoechoic focus in the endometrial cavity without a fetal pole or cardiac activity. Chest X-ray demonstrated minor bibasilar atelectasis. The patient was admitted and PTU was discontinued due to leukopenia and elevated transaminases. Dexamethasone was started and metoprolol was continued. Total thyroidectomy was planned for when free T4 less 2.0 The patient received two treatments of plasmapheresis, which decreased free T4 to 2.11 and then to 1.40. The thrombocytopenia and transaminitis resolved A total thyroidectomy was performed and well tolerated. patient had full term pregnancy, uneventful delivery while on thyroid hormone replacement. Conclusion : Preoperative plasmapheresis can be considered for the normalization of free T4 if thionamides fail or cannot be tolerated. This case demonstrates the successful management of thyrotoxicosis with plasmapheresis in the first trimester of pregnancy.to Our knowledge Plasmapheresis was not used before in Pregnancy in preparation for thyroidectomy.


2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
Manabu Yasuda ◽  
Jun Kumakura ◽  
Oka Kiyonori ◽  
Kazuhito Fukuda

Abstract Background Graves' disease is characterized by hyperthyroidism and the symptoms of Graves' disease often overlap with those of panic disorder, which may make it difficult to distinguish between the two conditions.In this report, we describe how proper diagnosis of thyroid disease in patients with mental illness can lead to appropriate treatment.Case presentation We encountered a 34-year-old woman in whom thyroid crisis from Graves’ disease was misdiagnosed as panic attack. The patient was being managed as a case of panic disorder and bipolar disorder in a psychiatric outpatient setting. About 6 months before presentation, she had lost about 16 kg in weight, and a month before presentation, she developed several unpleasant symptoms as her condition worsened. Several weeks before, she had severe palpitations, tachycardia, and discomfort in her throat. She became unable to eat solids and ate only yogurt and gelatin and felt difficult to take psychiatric drugs.A day on the Sunday morning, she visited our department of emergency outpatient with severe nausea. Examination revealed proptosis, and so thyroid function tests were requested in addition to routine blood tests. There was no improvement in her condition, and she returned to hospital in the early hours of the next morning. Based on her symptoms, she was diagnosed as having panic attacks due to panic disorder and was given diazepam injection and allowed to go home. There was no suspicion of Graves' disease.Later that day, the thyroid function test results became available and thyroid storm was suspected. The endocrinology department was consulted immediately and she was referred and hospitalized the next day. During hospitalization, she was treated with steroid and radioisotope therapy, and was discharged from hospital in three weeks. Conclusion Psychiatrists and doctors engaged in psychosomatic medicine need to consider the possibility of thyroid disease as a differential diagnosis of panic disorder. It is necessary to check thyroid function at the initial examination when a patient presents with symptoms of severe panic attack.


2020 ◽  
Vol 4 (Supplement_1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Faisal Aljehani ◽  
Malek Mushref ◽  
Nicoleta Dorinela Sora ◽  
Mahsa Javid ◽  
Harsha Karanchi

Abstract Background: Management of Graves’ disease (GD) in pregnancy presents challenges. Thionamide Antithyroid drugs are the treatment for GD hyperthyroidism with goal of achieving mild but persistent hyperthyroidism and avoiding over-treatment in pregnancy. ATD Induced Agranulocytosis is a rare but serous side effect and presents management dilemmas. Clinical Case: A 37-year-old woman with history of Graves’ disease was admitted to our hospital at gestational age of 34 weeks with fever, palpitations and diarrhea. Burch-Wartofsky Point Scale was 35 concerning for impending thyroid storm. She had been diagnosed with hyperthyroidism 6 weeks into her pregnancy, initially treated with PTU which was then changed to methimazole in 2nd trimester. A work up for infection and PE was negative. Non-compliance was suspected, methimazole was resumed, and hydrocortisone and propranolol were added. After 2 days, her vital signs and free hormone levels normalized. Her methimazole dose was decreased and she was discharged home in a stable condition. Five days after her discharge, she presented with sore throat, fever and chills. She had an absolute neutrophil count (ANC) of 0 and a positive rapid strep test. ATD Induced Agranulocytosis was suspected. Her labs showed elevated fT3 of 4.5(nl 1.7–3.7), normal fT4 and suppressed TSH with <0.01(nl 0.3–4.9). A CT scan of the neck showed no evidence of retropharyngeal or thyroid abscess. Methimazole was stopped and she was started on glucocorticoids (initially betamethasone for fetal lung maturity, then switched to prednisone) and cholestyramine. She was also started on Cefepime and G-CSF for her neutropenia. A thyroid ultrasound showed enlarged and hypervascular gland. TSI was 157%(nl. <122%), and thyroglobulin 155 ng/ml (nl. <33 ng/ml). After 4 days, her ANC started to recover. Simultaneously, she started to show worsening thyrotoxicosis but remined hemodynamically stable. A decision to induce labor was then made and was successfully done on the 6th day of her admission. Post-delivery, PTU was started at low dose along with SSKI to prepare her for total thyroidectomy which was done on day 3 post-delivery. Post-thyroidectomy, she had an uncomplicated course and was discharged on levothyroxine. Her child did well with no evidence of thyroid disease. Conclusion: We present a unique case of thyrotoxicosis in late pregnancy complicated by ATD Induced Agranulocytosis. Given the high risk of thyroid surgery during pregnancy, our multi-disciplinary team approach opted for labor induction, followed by preparation for thyroidectomy and subsequent surgery. Individualization of management approach using a multi-disciplinary team with emphasis on maternal and fetal well-being is of paramount importance with such challenging presentations.


2019 ◽  
Vol 65 (6) ◽  
pp. 755-760 ◽  
Author(s):  
Patrícia Novais Rabelo ◽  
Paula Novais Rabelo ◽  
Allyne Fernanda de Paula ◽  
Samuel Amanso da Conceição ◽  
Daniela Pultrini Pereira de Oliveira Viggiano ◽  
...  

SUMMARY INTRODUCTION: Graves’ disease (GD) is an autoimmune disorder characterized by hyperthyroidism. Antithyroid drugs (ATDs) are available as therapy. Agranulocytosis is a rare but potentially fatal complication of this therapy. In this study, we report agranulocytosis induced by propylthiouracil (PTU) in a patient with GD and the difficulties of clinical management. CASE: RNBA, male, 30 years old, with GD, treated with propylthiouracil (PTU). He progressed with pharyngotonsillitis. Then, PTU was suspended and antibiotic, filgrastim, propranolol, and prednisone were initiated. Due to the decompensation of hyperthyroidism, lithium carbonate, dexamethasone, and Lugol's solution were introduced. Total thyroidectomy (TT) was performed with satisfactory postoperative progression. DISCUSSION: We describe here the case of a young male patient with GD. For the treatment of hyperthyroidism, thioamides are effective options. Agranulocytosis induced by ATDs is a rare complication defined as the occurrence of a granulocyte count <500/mm3 after the use of ATDs. PTU was suspended, and filgrastim and antibiotics were prescribed. Radioiodine (RAI) or surgery are therapeutic alternatives. Due to problems with ATD use, a total thyroidectomy was proposed. The preoperative preparation was performed with beta-blocker, glucocorticoid, lithium carbonate, and Lugol solution. Cholestyramine is also an option for controlling hyperthyroidism. TT was performed without postoperative complications. CONCLUSION: Thionamide-induced agranulocytosis is a rare complication. With a contraindication to ATDs, RAI and surgery are definitive therapeutic options in GD. Beta-blockers, glucocorticoids, lithium carbonate, iodine, and cholestyramine may be an adjunctive therapy for hyperthyroidism.


2018 ◽  
Vol 7 (12) ◽  
pp. 566
Author(s):  
Hyeong Yu ◽  
In Bae ◽  
Su-jin Kim ◽  
Young Chai ◽  
Jae Moon ◽  
...  

Thyroid storm (TS) is a life-threatening emergency endocrine condition. Thyroid hormones should be normalized before thyroidectomy is performed in patients with Graves’ disease. However, thyroid hormone levels are inevitably high in patients undergoing surgery. This study analyzed differences in vital sign changes during thyroidectomy between patients with controlled and uncontrolled Graves’ disease and assessed thyroid hormone cutoffs for TS. Preoperative levels of the thyroid hormones free T4 (FT4), T3, and thyroid stimulating hormone (TSH) were retrospectively analyzed in patients who underwent total thyroidectomy for Graves’ disease. Patients were divided into those with uncontrolled Graves’ (UG) disease, defined as preoperative TSH <0.3 µIU/mL and FT4 >1.7 ng/dL, those with controlled Graves’ (CG) disease, those with extremely uncontrolled Graves’ (EUG) disease, defined as TSH <0.3 µIU/mL and FT4 >3.4 ng/dL, and finally, those without EUG (non-EUG). The 29 patients with Graves’ disease included 12 with CG group and 17 with UG. FT4 and T3 concentrations were significantly higher in the UG group. There were no differences in vital sign and anesthetic agent. These 29 patients could also be divided into those with (n = 4) and without EUG (n = 25). The mean age was lower (21.5 vs. 40.9 years, p < 0.001) and the mean operation time was shorter (121.4 vs. 208.8 min, p = 0.003) in the EUG group. Requirements for anesthetic agents were greater in the EUG group. Mean FT4 concentration in the EUG group was 3.8 ng/dL, and there were no changes in vital signs during surgery. Vital sign change during thyroid surgery was not observed in patients with uncontrolled Graves’ disease up to the twice upper normal limit of T4 level.


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