scholarly journals SUN-504 A Case of T3 Thyrotoxicosis

2020 ◽  
Vol 4 (Supplement_1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Isabelle Daneault Peloquin ◽  
Matthieu St-Jean

Abstract Clinical vignette ENDOCRINE SOCIETY 2020 Title: A case of T3 thyrotoxicosis induced by a dietary supplement. A 24 yo man consulted for a 2 weeks history of diaphoresis, fatigue, insomnia, palpitations and headache associated with a 20 pounds lost. The patient didn’t have a goiter or any signs of orbitopathy. The results revealed a free T3 level of 45.8 pmol/L upon arrival (normal (N) 3.4- 6.8 pmol/L), free T4 level of 6.4 pmol/L (N 11.0–22.0 pmol/L) and TSH level less than 0.005 mUI/L (N: 0.35 to 3.50 mUI/L). Facing those results, a complete review of the patient medication and natural product consumption was done. The patient revealed that he was using, since a month, a vegetable extracts nutritional supplement that didn’t included iodine. He was asked to stop the nutritional supplement and propranolol 10 mg twice daily was prescribed. Thyroid function tests were done 3 days after. The results demonstrate a fT3 level of 4.6 pmol/L, a fT4 level of 5.6 pmol/L and a TSH that still suppressed. A thyroid scintigraphy was performed 7 days later and showed a homogeneous uptake of 18.5% (N 7.0% – 35.0%). We saw the patient 2 weeks later and we ordered another thyroid function test with TSH receptor antibodies, TPO antibodies and thyroglobulin. The results were the following: fT3 of 5.1 pmol/L, fT4 of 12.1 pmol/L, TSH of 2.31 mUI/L, thyroglobulin of 19.8 ug/L (N: 1.4 – 78) and normal levels of antibodies against TPO and TSH receptors. To confirm the contamination of the nutritional supplement by fT3 we used a plasma pool of normal patients in which we measured thyroid function tests at baseline and after we have added the nutritional supplement powder to reflect the dose suggested by the manufacturer. The results showed that fT3 level increased by 36.5%, fT4 by 11.2% and TSH didn’t changed. The powder was then analyzed by an external laboratory that wasn’t able to demonstrate the presence of fT3 nor fT4. The two diagnostic possibility facing those results were that the powder induced an interference with immunoassay used to measure fT3 and fT4 but not TSH or thyrotoxicosis induced by the nutritional supplement with limitation in the technique that tried to identify fT3 in the powder. Given the presentation of the patient, we are convinced that this case represents a thyrotoxicosis induced by a nutritional supplement. In conclusion, Graves’ disease is responsible for 60–80% of the cases of hyperthyroidism. However, there are few cases reports of thyrotoxicosis induced by nutritional supplement1,2, but some studies demonstrate the presence of thyroid hormone in significant amounts in some commercially available health supplements3. This case highlights the importance of verifying exposition to medications and natural products when confronted to cases of thyrotoxicosis. 1.Regina A et al. MMWR Morb Mortal Wkly Rep. 2016 2. Panikkath R et al. Am J Ther. 2014 3. Kang GY et al. Thyroid. 2013

2020 ◽  
Vol 4 (Supplement_1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Anita Eapen ◽  
Hooman Oktaei

Abstract Introduction: Thyroid conditions are among the most common endocrine disorders. Diagnosis is dependent on interpretation of laboratory tests. The challenge comes when the clinical picture is discordant with laboratory results. Case Report: Patient is a 53-year-old male with history of cardiac transplantation, type 2 diabetes mellitus, history of amiodarone-induced hyperthyroidism. He was noted to have labs indicative of hyperthyroidism, while taking amiodarone, in 2016-2017, which was treated with methimazole. He was then noted to have abnormal thyroid function tests with low TSH to 0.3 IU/L, normal T3 and normal T4 levels. Thyroid stimulating immunoglobulin had been checked multiple times, and was normal, which is inconsistent with Graves’ disease. Prior radioactive iodine uptake scan, while off amiodarone, was noted to be normal. He was also scheduled for thyroidectomy at another hospital, which was cancelled due to normalization of thyroid function tests. Consultation was received for suppressed TSH to 0.323 IU/L, without symptoms of hyperthyroidism. He had been taking biotin during this time, which he subsequently stopped taking. Repeat TSH following discontinuation of biotin, was within normal range, most recent TSH 2.48 IU/L, free T4 1.03 ng/dL, free T3 2.7 pg/mL. Discussion: Thyroid function tests are commonly ordered. Interpretation of these tests relies on the provider’s understanding of thyroid physiology in addition to interferences with medications and other conditions. High doses of biotin, which people take as supplements for multiple sclerosis, or metabolic disorders, or for healthy nails and hair, can cause thyroid function test abnormalities. Streptavidin and biotin are used in some immunoassay platforms to capture antigens (TSH, free T4) or antibodies. High levels of serum biotin can inhibit the formation of T4 antibody complex, which results in a falsely high free T4 result. Conclusion: Thyroid Function tests should be interpreted very cautiously, especially in the setting of discordant clinical findings. Prior to ordering these tests, should attempt to obtain a detailed history of medications including over-the-counter supplements, which are commonly not reported during medication history. References:Elston, Marianne S., et al. “Factitious Graves’ Disease Due to Biotin Immunoassay Interference—A Case and Review of the Literature.” The Journal of Clinical Endocrinology & Metabolism, vol. 101, no. 9, 30 June 2016, pp. 3251-3255., doi:10.1210/jc.2016-1971. Koehler, Viktoria F., et al. “Fake News? Biotin Interference in Thyroid Immunoassays.” Clinica Chimica Acta, vol. 484, 30 May 2018, pp. 320-322., doi:10.1016/j.cca.2018.05.053. Soh, Shui-Boon, and Tar-Choon Aw. “Laboratory Testing in Thyroid Conditions - Pitfalls and Clinical Utility.” Annals of Laboratory Medicine, vol. 39, no. 1, 13 Jan. 2019, pp. 3-14., doi:10.3343/alm.2019.39.1.3.


2020 ◽  
Vol 4 (Supplement_1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Jorge Pedro ◽  
Vanessa Gorito ◽  
Cristina Ferreras ◽  
Ferreira João Silva Maria ◽  
Sofia Ferreira ◽  
...  

Abstract Background: Impaired sensitivity to thyroid hormone refers to any process that negatively affects its action, including defects in its transport, metabolism and action on the receptor. Resistance to thyroid hormone due to beta-receptor mutations (RTH-beta) is the most common form of this entity and is characterized by reduced response of peripheral tissues to the action of thyroid hormone. The genetic variability of cofactors involved in the action of thyroid hormone explains the heterogeneity of resistance among affected individuals. Generally, patients with this disorder, have increased levels of free T4 and free T3 in association with normal or high TSH. Clinical case: 11-year-old boy, with personal history of Attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD). A pediatric endocrinology consultation was requested to evaluate abnormalities in his thyroid function tests. A few months earlier, his father was referred to endocrinology consultation because of thyroid function tests abnormalities: TSH - 3.01 μIU / mL (N: 0.35 - 4.94); Free T4 1.7 ng / dL (N: 0.7-1.48); Free T3 4.77 pg / mL (N: 1.71-3.71). Initially, two diagnostic hypotheses were considered: central hyperthyroidism or impaired sensitivity to thyroid hormone. The adult underwent pituitary magnetic resonance, which raised the hypothesis of a pituitary microadenoma, and TRH stimulation test, whose result was strongly suggestive of the second diagnostic possibility. A genetic study was requested and the presence of the c700 G> A variant (p. Ala 324 trh) in the THRB gene was identified, which confirmed the most likely hypothesis. At the time of the pediatric endocrinology consultation, the 11-year-old boy had the results of his lab tests: TSH - 6.67 μIU / mL (N: 0.35 - 5); T4L 2.27 ng / dL (N: 0.88-1.58); T3L 7.79 pg / mL (N: 2-4.20). Given his perfect height and weight evolution and the absence of symptoms suggestive of hypo or hyperthyroidism, it was decided not to start any medication, keeping only periodic surveillance. Conclusion: This case exemplifies unusual thyroid function tests. This discordance between serum thyroid hormone and TSH concentrations should raise the possibility of impaired sensitivity to thyroid hormone. In this condition, patients may present with symptoms of hypo or hyperthyroidism and the etiology of thyroid function tests abnormalities are not easily recognized. This can lead to misdiagnosis and consequently unnecessary treatment.


2020 ◽  
Vol 4 (Supplement_1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Mohammed Al Tameemi ◽  
Janice L Gilden

Abstract Background: Many causes of abnormal thyroid function tests (TFTs) occur that may or may not reflect a true thyroid disorder. The most common include: immune check point inhibitors therapies (ICI) used to treat various types of cancers; biotin supplements, which may interfere with thyroid function test assays; euthyroid sick syndrome; as well as amiodarone therapy for cardiac disorders. Clinical Case: A 67-year old female patient with type 2 diabetes mellitus, taking insulin and oral antihyperglycemic agents, with hyperlipidemia, hypertension and coronary artery disease, who had abnormal TFTs (TSH was 3.7 to 4.9 uIIu/ml; ref range 0.27-4.2 uIU/mL), and Free T4 was 0.92 to 1.06 ng/dL; ref range 0.55-1.6 ng/dl) prior to the diagnosis of metastatic adenocarcinoma of the lungs. She was initially treated with radiation. TFTs were unchanged. Her CEA was noted to be 129.5 (0-3.0 ng/mL). However, following chemotherapy with Tarceva (Erlotinib) 50 mg po daily, the TSH increased to 7.6 uIU/ml with Free T4 of 3.19 ng/dL. She remained clinically euthyroid. A thyroid ultrasound showed 1 -small sub centimeter nodule in each thyroid lobe. The patient later admitted to also taking biotin for an unknown period of time. TSH antibodies and TSI were both negative. Free T4 by dialysis was normal. While still taking Tarceva her TSH was noted to be 2.5 to 3.8 uIU/ml and both Free T4 and Free T3 were elevated and was 6.57 pg/ml;ref range=2.52-4.34 pg/mL). Six months later, the Free T4 decreased to 1.08 ng/dL. Thyroid antibodies and thyroglobulin remain normal. The patient remained clinically euthyroid. Conclusion: It is important to note that several factors can cause abnormal thyroid function tests, such as Immune check point inhibitors therapy, with the exact mechanism for abnormal TFTs unknown, and can also be associated with either Grave’s hyperthyroidism or Hashimoto’s hypothyroidism,as well as other autoimmune endocrine disorders. Biotin, a common supplement, has also been reported to interfere with the thyroid function test assays for free thyroxine (T4), total T4, free triiodothyronine (T3), total T3, TSH, and various cancer markers. However, It is important to clinically evaluate the patient for thyroid disorders, and recognize that therapy may not always be required, when discrepant and fluctuating thyroid function tests are obtained, such as in this patient. References: (1) Holmes EW, Samarasinghe S, Emanuele MA, Meah. Biotin interference in clinical immunoassays: a cause for concern. . Arch Pathol Lab Med. 2017;141:1459-1460. (2) Rossi E, Sgambato, De Chaira G, et al. Thyroid-induced toxicity of check-point inhibitors immunotherapy in the treatment of advance non-small cell lung cancer. J. Endocrinol Diabetes 2016;3:1-10.


Author(s):  
Elif Çelik ◽  
Ayşe Anık

INTRODUCTION: Thyroid function tests are among the most frequently implemented laboratory tests in primary, and secondary healthcare institutions. The aim of the present study was to investigate the demographic and clinical characteristics and final diagnosis of children referred by primary and secondary healthcare institutions with the suspicion of an abnormality in thyroid function test and/or with the initial diagnosis of specific thyroid disease. METHODS: A total of two hundred eighty-nine pediatric patients, aged between 4 and 18 years admitted to the outpatient clinics of Behçet Uz Children’s Health and Diseases Hospital between January 2018 and January 2020, were included in the study. The patient data were obtained retrospectively from the hospital records. RESULTS: A total of 66% of the patients who were included in the study were female with a median age of 12 years (8.7-14.4), while 64% of them were pubertal; and 78% of the cases were referred by secondary healthcare institutions. The most common reason for referral was isolated elevation of thyroid stimulating hormone (TSH). A total of 56% of the patients were asymptomatic at the time of admission, and thyroid function test results of 75% of them were within normal limits. When evaluated according to their final diagnoses, the children were normal/healthy (64%), diagnosed with Hashimoto thyroiditis (30%), nodular thyroid disease (3%), Graves disease (2%) and isolated increase of TSH was related to obesity in 5 patients (1%). DISCUSSION AND CONCLUSION: It is essential to evaluate children with abnormal thyroid function test results with detailed history and physical examination. Besides, the thyroid function tests should be performed with reliable and sensitive methods in standardized laboratories to reach the correct diagnosis in these children.


Author(s):  
Vasim Ismail Patel ◽  
Akshay B. K.

<p class="abstract"><strong>Background:</strong> The thyroid is an<strong> </strong>endocrine gland. It secretes two hormones thyroxine (T<sub>4</sub>), triiodothyronine (T<sub>3</sub>). Hypothyroidism is a common condition encountered by a clinician. Subclinical hypothyroidism (SCH) defined as normal free thyroxine (T4) and elevated thyroid stimulating hormone (TSH), is primarily a biochemical diagnosis with or without clinical symptoms. Studies have observed that TSH levels vary at different times in a day. In practice not much importance is given to the timing of the sample collection (pre-prandial or post-prandial sate). SCH is diagnosed depending on TSH value. So the condition may be under or over diagnosed based on a single value. So we conducted this study to determine whether timing of sample collection had any significant relationship in the determination of levels of thyroid hormones.</p><p class="abstract"><strong>Methods:</strong> The study was carried on 114 patients who visited ENT department, NMCH between July 2018 and June 2019. Group-1 consisted of 38 normal patients. Group-2 consisted of 36 hypothyroidism patients GROUP-3 consisted of 40 subclinical hypothyroidism patients. Thyroid function tests (TSH and free T4) were done in fasting state and 2 hours postprandially.  </p><p class="abstract"><strong>Results:</strong> TSH values were found to be significantly lowered after food in all the three groups. Free T4 values did not show any statistically significant alteration after food.</p><p class="abstract"><strong>Conclusions:</strong> There was a significant decline in TSH values postprandially. This might lead to inappropriate diagnosis and management of patients as cases of hypothyroidism, especially in cases of sub clinical hypothyroidism.</p>


2020 ◽  
Vol 13 (3) ◽  
pp. e231337
Author(s):  
Michael S Lundin ◽  
Ahmad Alratroot ◽  
Fawzi Abu Rous ◽  
Saleh Aldasouqi

A 69-year-old woman with a remote history of Graves’ disease treated with radioactive iodine ablation, who was maintained on a stable dose of levothyroxine for 15 years, presented with abnormal and fluctuating thyroid function tests which were confusing. After extensive evaluation, no diagnosis could be made, and it became difficult to optimise the levothyroxine dose, until we became aware of the recently recognised biotin-induced lab interference. It was then noticed that her medication list included biotin 10 mg two times per day. After holding the biotin and repeating the thyroid function tests, the labs made more sense, and the patient was easily made euthyroid with appropriate dose adjustment. We also investigated our own laboratory, and identified the thyroid labs that are performed with biotin-containing assays and developed strategies to increase the awareness about this lab artefact in our clinics.


2020 ◽  
Vol 4 (Supplement_1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Robert P McEvoy ◽  
Anthony O’Riordan ◽  
Mark J Hannon

Abstract The population attending the Medical Assessment Unit at our hospital comprises patients attending electively for investigation and acutely unwell patients presenting for unscheduled care. The standard panel of blood tests taken on arrival includes thyroid function tests (TFTs, i.e. TSH and free-T4), despite a recent review questioning the clinical utility of this practice [1]. We performed a retrospective audit to determine what proportion of our patients had abnormal thyroid function on presentation, and whether these abnormal test results were being followed up. Using the iSoft Clinical Manager software, a list was generated of all patients who attended the hospital between January 2018 and June 2018 inclusive. For each attendance, we recorded the date, medical record number, patient age, gender, and TFT result. Abnormal TFT results were classified as overt or subclinical hyper- or hypothyroid, or non-thyroid illness syndrome (NTIS), based on their admission TSH and free-T4. We then examined the hospital and primary care records of patients with abnormal TFTs to determine if they had ongoing thyroid follow up post discharge. In total, 2,298 patients attended over the 6-month study period. The mean patient age was 67.2 years, and 49% were female. Thyroid function tests were ordered on the day of attendance for 1,688 patients (73%). Of these, 181 results (11%) were abnormal: 20 overt hyperthyroid (11%), 72 subclinical hyperthyroid (40%), 12 overt hypothyroid (7%), 35 subclinical hypothyroid (19%), and 42 NTIS (23%). Twenty of these patients died within 3 months of the abnormal TFT result (4 overt hyperthyroid, 3 subclinical hyperthyroid, 3 overt hypothyroid, 6 subclinical hypothyroid, and 4 NTIS). Of the remaining 161 patients, 74 (46%) had not been followed up within 3 months (4 overt hyperthyroid, 34 subclinical hyperthyroid, 3 overt hypothyroid, 15 subclinical hypothyroid, and 18 NTIS). The low percentage of abnormal TFTs (11%) in this audit is in keeping with similar studies where thyroid function testing was performed on unselected hospital populations [1]. Subclinical hyperthyroidism was by far the most common abnormality found. A high percentage of abnormal tests (46%) were not followed up, with poor compliance with thyroid management guidelines [2]. Future work will investigate adoption of an ‘opt-in’ order system [3] and electronic alerts to flag abnormal results for follow-up. [1] Premawardhana LD. Thyroid testing in acutely ill patients may be an expensive distraction. Biochemia medica. 2017; 27(2): 300-307. [2] Ross DS et al. 2016 American Thyroid Association Guidelines for diagnosis and management of hyperthyroidism and other causes of thyrotoxicosis. Thyroid. 2016 Oct; 26(10):1343-1421. [3] Leis B et al. Altering standard admission order sets to promote clinical laboratory stewardship: a cohort quality improvement study. BMJ Qual Saf. 2019; 28(10): 846-52.


2021 ◽  
Vol 5 (Supplement_1) ◽  
pp. A940-A941
Author(s):  
Nyembezi Dhliwayo ◽  
Rana Wajahat ◽  
Andriy Havrylyan ◽  
Alvia Moid ◽  
Walid Khayr ◽  
...  

Abstract There is considerable evidence that some Borrelial (Lyme spirochetal) proteins share significant antigenic properties with several thyroid-related proteins (e.g. TSH receptor, thyroglobulin, thyroid peroxidase) and can induce thyroid autoimmunity, sometimes associated with Hashimoto’s thyroiditis and perhaps also a “destructive thyroiditis” such as “silent” thyroiditis or “Hashitoxicosis.” As an acute illness, Lyme disease may also constitute a “non-thyroidal illness” capable of perturbing thyroid function tests without causing thyroid dysfunction. We report a 22-year old woman admitted with an acute paranoid schizophrenia, thyroid function tests consistent with autoimmunity, transient thyrotoxicosis (tachycardia, lid-lag, brisk DTR’s) and a greatly reduced radioiodine uptake. The thyroid was not palpably enlarged, nodular or tender. On screening assay, reactivity was demonstrated to 4 of 13 Borrelial proteins. Anti-Lyme IgM but not IgG, antibodies, were positive. This was consistent with recent Lyme disease infection. Serum TSH (NL: 0.358-3.74 mcU/ml), Free T4 (NL: 0.76-1.46 ng/dl), and Free T3 (NL: 2.18-3.98 pg/ml) were, respectively: Day1: 0.087 mcU/ml (suppressed), 1.52 ng/dl (slightly elevated), 2.07 pg/ml (slightly reduced); Day2: 0.148 (suppressed), 1.18 (normal), no FT3; Day4: 0.827 (normal), no FT4 or FT3; Day5: 1.66 (normal), 0.89 (normal), 1.77 (low). Anti-Tg and Anti-Peroxidase antibodies were both moderately elevated. Thyroid Stimulating Immunoglobulins were not elevated. The radioactive iodine uptake on Day4 was 2.8% (NL: 15-30% at 24 hr). Thyroid ultrasonogram was normal. An attractive explanation is that Lyme disease triggered a “destructive thyroiditis,” perhaps but not necessarily mediated by thyroid autoimmunity. This would account for the brief interval of thyrotoxicosis accompanied by a very low radioiodine uptake. Alternatively, Lyme disease, as an acute process, would expectedly be capable of eliciting the thyroid function abnormalities of “non-thyroidal illnesses” in general, as would acute psychosis, well-known to often resemble Graves’ disease at admission.


Author(s):  
Ashwini S. Rathod ◽  
Girija A. Ghate ◽  
Ammu Korah ◽  
Lakshmi Krishnan ◽  
Ruchir R. Dashora

<p><strong>Background:</strong> Thyroid swellings are very frequently encountered in ENT practice, ranging from a simple cyst to a malignant tumour. Disorder of structure of thyroid gland, due to various etiological factors, will give rise to swelling in the neck region. Clinical signs and symptoms are inadequate to diagnose thyroid disorders as similar presentations are seen in various thyroid disorders. So, this study of thyroid swellings was done to know different clinical presentations, age and sex distribution, correlation between thyroid swellings and thyroid function tests, analyse various thyroid swellings and etiological factors based on pathological reports.</p><p class="abstract"><strong>Methods:</strong> A prospective study with 50 patients of thyroid swellings was conducted over 2 years, after taking consent from each patient. Patients were clinically examined by inspection, palpation, percussion, auscultation and underwent thyroid function tests. Ultrasonography (USG) and fine needle aspiration cytology (FNAC) was done in all patients.  </p><p class="abstract"><strong>Results:</strong> Total 50 patients of thyroid swellings were studied. Mean age of the patients was 38.92 years with female preponderance (74%). Thyroid swellings were commonly present bilaterally (54%). 82% cases showed euthyroid state. USG revealed that most of the patients had colloid nodule (46%), followed by MNG (26%). Majority of lesions were benign on both USG and FNAC reports. MNG (44%) was reported frequently in the provisional diagnosis, followed by colloid nodule (24%).</p><p class="abstract"><strong>Conclusions:</strong> In all cases of thyroid swellings, detailed clinical history, thorough clinical examination is required. Thyroid function test, USG and FNAC reports help to reach the definitive diagnosis. Histopathological report confirms and gives final diagnosis.</p><p> </p>


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