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Abstract
The COVID-19 pandemic has affected over 772 million people globally. While lung damage is the major contributor to the morbidity and mortality of this disease, the involvement of multiple organs, including the endocrine glands, has been reported. This Review aims to provide an updated summary of evidence regarding COVID-19 and thyroid dysfunction, incorporating highlights of recent advances in the field, particularly in relation to long COVID and COVID-19 vaccination. Since subacute thyroiditis following COVID-19 was first reported in May 2020, thyroid dysfunction associated with COVID-19 has been increasingly recognized, secondary to direct and indirect effects on the hypothalamic-pituitary-thyroid axis. Here, we summarize the epidemiological evidence, pattern and clinical course of thyroid dysfunction following COVID-19 and examine radiological, molecular and histological evidence of thyroid involvement in SARS-CoV-2 infection. Beyond acute SARS-CoV-2 infection, it is also timely to examine the course and implication of thyroid dysfunction in the context of long COVID owing to the large population of survivors of COVID-19 worldwide. This Review also analyses the latest evidence on the relationship between the therapeutics and vaccination for COVID-19 and thyroid dysfunction. To conclude, evidence-based practice recommendations for thyroid function testing during and following COVID-19 and concerning COVID-19 vaccination are proposed.
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Affiliation(s)
- David Tak Wai Lui
- Division of Endocrinology and Metabolism, Department of Medicine, School of Clinical Medicine, Li Ka Shing Faculty of Medicine, The University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong SAR, China
| | - Chi Ho Lee
- Division of Endocrinology and Metabolism, Department of Medicine, School of Clinical Medicine, Li Ka Shing Faculty of Medicine, The University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong SAR, China
| | - Yu Cho Woo
- Division of Endocrinology and Metabolism, Department of Medicine, School of Clinical Medicine, Li Ka Shing Faculty of Medicine, The University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong SAR, China
| | - Ivan Fan Ngai Hung
- Division of Infectious Diseases, Department of Medicine, School of Clinical Medicine, Li Ka Shing Faculty of Medicine, The University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong SAR, China
| | - Karen Siu Ling Lam
- Division of Endocrinology and Metabolism, Department of Medicine, School of Clinical Medicine, Li Ka Shing Faculty of Medicine, The University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong SAR, China.
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Balasubramaniam S, Suresh Kumar A, Pandian P, Raviganesh PK, Perumpallipatty Kumarasamy S, Raju BP, Selvaraj B, Srinivasan AK, Balaji S, Ramasubramanian S. Thyroid Density in CT Imaging as a Potential Marker of Lung Involvement in COVID-19: A Retrospective Analysis. Cureus 2024; 16:e59699. [PMID: 38841002 PMCID: PMC11150337 DOI: 10.7759/cureus.59699] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 05/05/2024] [Indexed: 06/07/2024] Open
Abstract
Background The SARS-CoV-2 pandemic has underscored the multifaceted impact of the virus on human health, extending beyond the respiratory system to involve other organ systems, including the endocrine system. Emerging evidence suggests a notable interaction between COVID-19 and thyroid function, characterized by alterations in thyroid hormone levels and structural changes within the gland. This study aims to explore the association between thyroid density on CT imaging and lung involvement in patients with COVID-19, potentially offering new insights into the systemic effects of the virus. Methodology A retrospective cross-sectional analysis was conducted on 1,066 patients with COVID-19 who underwent chest CT scans without contrast at Government Medical College, Omandurar Government Estate, Chennai, which was designated as the COVID-19 care center from April to June 2021. Thyroid density and lung involvement were quantitatively assessed, and their correlation was analyzed using descriptive and inferential statistics, including the Kruskal-Wallis H test and Shapiro-Wilk test for normality. Results The study population predominantly exhibited normal thyroid density (749, 70.3%), followed by altered (212, 19.9%), nodular (104, 9.8%), and a single instance (0.1%) of absent thyroid density. Despite variability in lung involvement across different thyroid density categories, statistical analysis revealed no significant association between thyroid density and the extent of lung involvement in patients with COVID-19. Conclusions This study found no significant correlation between thyroid density and lung involvement in patients with COVID-19, suggesting that thyroid density on CT imaging may not serve as a reliable marker for lung involvement in this population. Further research is warranted to explore the complex interactions between COVID-19 and thyroid function, as well as the potential implications for patient management and prognosis.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Aparna Suresh Kumar
- Internal Medicine, Government Medical College, Omandurar Government Estate, Chennai, IND
| | - Pravin Pandian
- Radiodiagnosis, Government Stanley Medical College and Hospital, Chennai, IND
| | | | - Sowmiya Perumpallipatty Kumarasamy
- Radiodiagnosis, Jawaharlal Institute of Postgraduate Medical Education and Research, Puducherry, IND
- Radiodiagnosis, Government Stanley Medical College and Hospital, Chennai, IND
| | - Bharathi Priya Raju
- Radiodiagnosis, Government Stanley Medical College and Hospital, Chennai, IND
| | - Balaji Selvaraj
- Radiodiagnosis, Government Medical College, Omandurar Government Estate, Chennai, IND
| | | | - Sangeetha Balaji
- Radiodiagnosis, Government Medical College, Omandurar Government Estate, Chennai, IND
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Alphan Uc Z, Yagcı P, Adibelli Z, Duran C. The Spectrum of Thyroid Function Tests and Autoantibodies During Hospitalization and After Six Months of Discharge in COVID-19 Patients: Does COVID-19 Trigger Autoimmunity? Endocr Res 2023:1-11. [PMID: 36883908 DOI: 10.1080/07435800.2023.2188086] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 03/09/2023]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE The aim of the study was to investigate thyroid function test (TFT) results and anti-thyroid antibody titers in acutely infected COVID-19 patients, as well as the changes in TFT and autoantibody results during the 6-months recovery period among survivors. PATIENTS AND DESIGN A total of 163 adult COVID-19 patients and 124 COVID-19 survivors were evaluated in terms of TFT (thyroid stimulating hormone [TSH], free triiodothyronine [fT3], and free thyroxine [fT4]) and anti-thyroid antibodies (anti-thyroglobulin [anti-Tg] and anti-thyroid peroxidase [anti-TPO]). RESULTS Thyroid dysfunction was noted in 56.4% of patients on admission, including the non-thyroidal illness syndrome (NTIS) in most cases. Presence vs. absence of thyroid dysfunction on admission was associated with significantly higher rate of severe disease (p < 0.001), while severe vs. mild-to-moderate disease was associated with significantly lower serum fT3 levels (p = 0.001). Overall, 94.4% of survivors were euthyroid at the time of 6 months post-discharge, while in some patients, the post-COVID-19 recovery period was also associated with significantly increased anti-TPO titers and the presence of new-onset or persistent subclinical hypothyroidism. CONCLUSION This is one of the few studies to evaluate TFT and autoantibodies over a 6-month period after recovery from COVID-19. The presence of emergent or persistent subclinical hypothyroidism and the significantly increased anti-TPO titers in some patients during the convalescence period suggest the need for follow-up for development of thyroid dysfunction and autoimmunity among COVID-19 survivors.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ziynet Alphan Uc
- Departments of Endocrinology and Metabolism, Usak University, Usak, Turkey
| | - Pinar Yagcı
- Departments of Internal Medicine, Usak University, Usak, Turkey
| | - Zelal Adibelli
- Departments of Nephrology, Faculty of Medicine, Usak University, Usak, Turkey
| | - Cevdet Duran
- Departments of Endocrinology and Metabolism, Usak University, Usak, Turkey
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Li Z, Hou P, Mu S, Wang R, Miao H, Feng M, Wang H, Zhang W, Chen Y, Feng T, Wang S, Fang Y. Thyroxine changes in COVID-19 pandemic: A systematic review and meta-analysis. Front Endocrinol (Lausanne) 2023; 14:1089190. [PMID: 36860369 PMCID: PMC9969987 DOI: 10.3389/fendo.2023.1089190] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/04/2022] [Accepted: 01/24/2023] [Indexed: 02/15/2023] Open
Abstract
OBJECTIVE COVID-19 infection may affect thyroid function. However, changes in thyroid function in COVID-19 patients have not been well described. This systematic review and meta-analysis assess thyroxine levels in COVID-19 patients, compared with non-COVID-19 pneumonia and healthy cohorts during the COVID-19 epidemic. METHODS A search was performed in English and Chinese databases from inception to August 1, 2022. The primary analysis assessed thyroid function in COVID-19 patients, comparing non-COVID-19 pneumonia and healthy cohorts. Secondary outcomes included different severity and prognoses of COVID-19 patients. RESULTS A total of 5873 patients were enrolled in the study. The pooled estimates of TSH and FT3 were significantly lower in patients with COVID-19 and non-COVID-19 pneumonia than in the healthy cohort (P < 0.001), whereas FT4 were significantly higher (P < 0.001). Patients with the non-severe COVID-19 showed significant higher in TSH levels than the severe (I2 = 89.9%, P = 0.002) and FT3 (I2 = 91.9%, P < 0.001). Standard mean differences (SMD) of TSH, FT3, and FT4 levels of survivors and non-survivors were 0.29 (P= 0.006), 1.11 (P < 0.001), and 0.22 (P < 0.001). For ICU patients, the survivors had significantly higher FT4 (SMD=0.47, P=0.003) and FT3 (SMD=0.51, P=0.001) than non-survivors. CONCLUSIONS Compared with the healthy cohort, COVID-19 patients showed decreased TSH and FT3 and increased FT4, similar to non-COVID-19 pneumonia. Thyroid function changes were related to the severity of COVID-19. Thyroxine levels have clinical significance for prognosis evaluation, especially FT3.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ziqi Li
- Department of Neurosurgery, Dongfang Affiliated Hospital of Xiamen University, School of Medicine, Xiamen University, Xiamen, China
| | - Pengwei Hou
- Department of Neurosurgery, Fuzong Clinical Medical College of Fujian Medical University, Fuzhou, China
- Department of Neurosurgery, 900TH Hospital of Joint Logistics Support Force, Fuzong Clinical Medical College of Fujian Medical University, Fuzhou, China
| | - Shuwen Mu
- Department of Neurosurgery, Fuzong Clinical Medical College of Fujian Medical University, Fuzhou, China
- Department of Neurosurgery, 900TH Hospital of Joint Logistics Support Force, Fuzong Clinical Medical College of Fujian Medical University, Fuzhou, China
| | - Renzhi Wang
- Department of Neurosurgery, Peking Union Medical College Hospital, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences, Peking Union Medical College, Beijing, China
| | - Hui Miao
- Department of Neurosurgery, Peking Union Medical College Hospital, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences, Peking Union Medical College, Beijing, China
| | - Ming Feng
- Department of Neurosurgery, Peking Union Medical College Hospital, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences, Peking Union Medical College, Beijing, China
| | - He Wang
- Department of Neurosurgery, Peking Union Medical College Hospital, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences, Peking Union Medical College, Beijing, China
| | - Wentai Zhang
- Department of Neurosurgery, Peking Union Medical College Hospital, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences, Peking Union Medical College, Beijing, China
| | - Yihao Chen
- Department of Neurosurgery, Peking Union Medical College Hospital, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences, Peking Union Medical College, Beijing, China
| | - Tianshun Feng
- Department of Neurosurgery, Dongfang Affiliated Hospital of Xiamen University, School of Medicine, Xiamen University, Xiamen, China
| | - Shousen Wang
- Department of Neurosurgery, 900TH Hospital of Joint Logistics Support Force, Fuzong Clinical Medical College of Fujian Medical University, Fuzhou, China
- *Correspondence: Yi Fang, ; Shousen Wang,
| | - Yi Fang
- Department of Neurosurgery, Peking Union Medical College Hospital, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences, Peking Union Medical College, Beijing, China
- *Correspondence: Yi Fang, ; Shousen Wang,
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Fung MHM, Lui DTW, Chiu KWH, Lee SH, Lee CH, Chow WS, Lee ACH, Tam AR, Pang P, Ho TY, Fong CHY, Loong CHN, Law CY, To KKW, Lam CW, Tan KCB, Woo YC, Hung IFN, Lam KSL, Lang B. A prospective follow-up of thyroid volume and thyroiditis features on ultrasonography among survivors of predominantly mild to moderate COVID-19. PeerJ 2023; 11:e15034. [PMID: 36949763 PMCID: PMC10026714 DOI: 10.7717/peerj.15034] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/13/2022] [Accepted: 02/19/2023] [Indexed: 03/19/2023] Open
Abstract
Background We previously showed that higher SARS-CoV-2 viral load correlated with smaller thyroid volumes among COVID-19 survivors at 2 months after acute COVID-19. Our current follow-up study evaluated the evolution of thyroid volumes and thyroiditis features within the same group of patients 6 months later. Methods Adult COVID-19 survivors who underwent thyroid ultrasonography 2 months after infection (USG1) were recruited for follow-up USG 6 months later (USG2). The primary outcome was the change in thyroid volume. We also reassessed thyroiditis features on USG, thyroid function and anti-thyroid antibodies. Results Fifty-four patients were recruited (mean age 48.1 years; 63% men). The mean thyroid volume increased from USG1 to USG2 (11.9 ± 4.8 to 14.5 ± 6.2 mL, p < 0.001). Thirty-two patients (59.3%) had significant increase in thyroid volume by ≥15%, and they had a median increase of +33.3% (IQR: +20.0% to +45.0%). Multivariable logistic regression analysis showed that only higher baseline SARS-CoV-2 viral load independently correlated with significant thyroid volume increase on USG2 (p = 0.022). Among the seven patients with thyroiditis features on USG1, six (85.7%) had the features resolved on USG2. None had new thyroiditis features on USG2. All abnormal thyroid function during acute COVID-19 resolved upon USG1 and USG2. Conclusion Most COVID-19 survivors had an increase in thyroid volume from early convalescent phase to later convalescent phase. This increase correlated with high initial SARS-CoV-2 viral load. Together with the resolution of thyroiditis features, these may suggest a transient direct atrophic effect of SARS-CoV-2 on the thyroid gland with subsequent recovery of thyroid volume and thyroiditis features.
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Affiliation(s)
- Man Him Matrix Fung
- Department of Surgery, Queen Mary Hospital, University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong, China
| | - David Tak Wai Lui
- Department of Medicine, Queen Mary Hospital, University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong, China
| | - Keith Wan Hang Chiu
- Department of Diagnostic Radiology, Queen Mary Hospital, University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong, China
| | - Sherman Haynam Lee
- Department of Surgery, Queen Mary Hospital, University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong, China
| | - Chi Ho Lee
- Department of Medicine, Queen Mary Hospital, University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong, China
| | - Wing Sun Chow
- Department of Medicine, Queen Mary Hospital, University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong, China
| | - Alan Chun Hong Lee
- Department of Medicine, Queen Mary Hospital, University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong, China
| | - Anthony Raymond Tam
- Department of Microbiology, Queen Mary Hospital, University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong, China
| | - Polly Pang
- Department of Medicine, Queen Mary Hospital, University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong, China
| | - Tip Yin Ho
- Department of Medicine, Queen Mary Hospital, University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong, China
| | - Carol Ho Yi Fong
- Department of Medicine, Queen Mary Hospital, University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong, China
| | - Connie Hong Nin Loong
- Department of Medicine, Queen Mary Hospital, University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong, China
| | - Chun Yiu Law
- Division of Chemical Pathology, Queen Mary Hospital, University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong, China
| | - Kelvin Kai Wang To
- Department of Microbiology, Queen Mary Hospital, University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong, China
| | - Ching Wan Lam
- Department of Pathology, Queen Mary Hospital, University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong, China
| | | | - Yu Cho Woo
- Department of Medicine, Queen Mary Hospital, University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong, China
| | - Ivan Fan Ngai Hung
- Department of Medicine, Queen Mary Hospital, University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong, China
| | - Karen Siu Ling Lam
- Department of Medicine, Queen Mary Hospital, University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong, China
| | - Brian Lang
- Department of Surgery, Queen Mary Hospital, University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong, China
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Quek AML, Ng MY, Teng O, Lim NA, Ng GJL, Yang SP, Hartman M, Tambyah PA, Cook AR, Seet RCS. Stable thyroid function despite regular use of povidone-iodine throat spray for SARS-CoV-2 prophylaxis. Ann Med 2022; 54:3299-3305. [PMID: 36399104 PMCID: PMC9677975 DOI: 10.1080/07853890.2022.2108132] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/19/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND It is unclear whether unintentional ingestion of povidone-iodine following its application to the oropharyngeal space could affect thyroid function. OBJECTIVE To examine thyroid function among individuals who regularly apply povidone-iodine throat spray for SARS-CoV-2 prophylaxis. METHODS We designed a case-control study to compare thyroid function among participants who received povidone-iodine throat spray three times a day for 42 days ('cases') and those who received vitamin C ('controls'). Thyroid function was assessed by profiling serum TSH, free T3, and free T4; iodine status was estimated using serum thyroglobulin level, while infection status was determined by measuring anti-SARS-CoV-2 antibody against the nucleocapsid antigen. All measurements were performed in pairs, at baseline and 42 days later. Pre-post changes in thyroid function were compared between groups, before and after stratification according to baseline TSH quartiles. RESULTS A total of 177 men (117 cases and 60 controls) (mean age, 32.2 years) were included. Despite comparable demographics and clinical profiles, no clinically or statistically significant differences were observed in thyroid indices between 'cases' and 'controls' before and after stratification according to TSH quartiles. None of the participants developed symptomatic hypo- or hyperthyroidism throughout the study. Post-hoc analysis did not reveal differences in thyroid function according to infection status. CONCLUSIONS Data from this study support the overall safety of povidone-iodine use in the oropharyngeal space for SARS-CoV-2 prophylaxis among individuals with normal thyroid function and subclinical thyroid disease.
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Affiliation(s)
- Amy May Lin Quek
- Department of Medicine, Yong Loo Lin School of Medicine, National University of Singapore, Singapore, Singapore.,Division of Neurology, Department of Medicine, National University Hospital, Singapore, Singapore
| | - Mei Yen Ng
- Department of Medicine, Yong Loo Lin School of Medicine, National University of Singapore, Singapore, Singapore
| | - Ooiean Teng
- Department of Medicine, Yong Loo Lin School of Medicine, National University of Singapore, Singapore, Singapore
| | - Nicole-Ann Lim
- Department of Medicine, Yong Loo Lin School of Medicine, National University of Singapore, Singapore, Singapore
| | - Geelyn Jeng Lin Ng
- Department of Medicine, Yong Loo Lin School of Medicine, National University of Singapore, Singapore, Singapore
| | - Samantha Peiling Yang
- Department of Medicine, Yong Loo Lin School of Medicine, National University of Singapore, Singapore, Singapore.,Division of Endocrinology, Department of Medicine, National University Hospital, Singapore, Singapore
| | - Mikael Hartman
- Department of Surgery, Yong Loo Lin School of Medicine, National University of Singapore, Singapore, Singapore.,Saw Swee Hock School of Public Health, National University of Singapore and National University Health System, Singapore, Singapore
| | - Paul Anantharajah Tambyah
- Department of Medicine, Yong Loo Lin School of Medicine, National University of Singapore, Singapore, Singapore.,Division of Infectious Diseases, Department of Medicine, National University Hospital, Singapore, Singapore.,Infectious Diseases Translational Research Program, Yong Loo Lin School of Medicine, National University of Singapore, Singapore, Singapore
| | - Alex R Cook
- Saw Swee Hock School of Public Health, National University of Singapore and National University Health System, Singapore, Singapore
| | - Raymond Chee Seong Seet
- Department of Medicine, Yong Loo Lin School of Medicine, National University of Singapore, Singapore, Singapore.,Division of Neurology, Department of Medicine, National University Hospital, Singapore, Singapore.,Healthy Longevity Translational Research Program, Yong Loo Lin School of Medicine, National University of Singapore, Singapore, Singapore
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Khaja M, Qureshi ZA, Samsuddoha K, Itare V, Stastka P, Mahasamudram J, Altaf F, Dileep A. Hashimoto's Thyroiditis Encephalopathy Induced by COVID-19 Infection. Cureus 2022; 14:e28419. [PMID: 36176821 PMCID: PMC9509523 DOI: 10.7759/cureus.28419] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 08/26/2022] [Indexed: 11/05/2022] Open
Abstract
Various factors can lead to thyroiditis, including any acute inflammatory process, especially viral illness. While coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) has been linked to disorders of various systems, there is a lack of literature showing an association of coronavirus with the cause of Hashimoto's thyroiditis. Several possible mechanisms for this outcome have been proposed; chief among them is molecular mimicry. Here, we are reporting a case of Hashimoto's thyroiditis incited by COVID-19 in a 34-year-old obese female who presented with anxiety, behavioral changes, and repeated head movements. The patient had an elevated thyroid stimulating hormone (TSH) level, a low thyroxine (T4) level, and a positive anti-microsomal antibody screen. The patient also tested positive for severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) RNA. Ultrasound of the patient's neck showed an enlarged heterogeneous thyroid gland. Thyroid replacement therapy with intravenous levothyroxine was started with the subsequent oral transition. Concurrently, she received antibiotics, steroids, and low-molecular-weight heparin for COVID-19. The patient exhibited significant improvement in her mental status, with an eventual return to baseline. The results of the thyroid panel obtained at the outpatient follow-up were normal. Although there is a paucity of data to show COVID-19 as a cause of this painless thyroiditis, this case demonstrates such causality between these two.
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Rossetti CL, Cazarin J, Hecht F, Beltrão FEDL, Ferreira ACF, Fortunato RS, Ramos HE, de Carvalho DP. COVID-19 and thyroid function: What do we know so far? Front Endocrinol (Lausanne) 2022; 13:1041676. [PMID: 36601011 PMCID: PMC9806267 DOI: 10.3389/fendo.2022.1041676] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/11/2022] [Accepted: 12/05/2022] [Indexed: 12/23/2022] Open
Abstract
Coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) was characterized as a pandemic in March, 2020 by the World Health Organization. COVID-19 is a respiratory syndrome that can progress to acute respiratory distress syndrome, multiorgan dysfunction, and eventually death. Despite being considered a respiratory disease, it is known that other organs and systems can be affected in COVID-19, including the thyroid gland. Thyroid gland, as well as hypothalamus and pituitary, which regulate the functioning of most endocrine glands, express angiotensin-converting enzyme 2 (ACE2), the main protein that functions as a receptor to which SARS-CoV-2 binds to enter host cells. In addition, thyroid gland is extremely sensitive to changes in body homeostasis and metabolism. Immune system cells are targets for thyroid hormones and T3 and T4 modulate specific immune responses, including cell-mediated immunity, natural killer cell activity, the antiviral action of interferon (IFN) and proliferation of T- and B-lymphocytes. However, studies show that patients with controlled hypothyroidism and hyperthyroidism do not have a higher prevalence of COVID-19, nor do they have a worse prognosis when infected with the virus. On the other hand, retrospective observational studies, prospective studies, and case reports published in the last two years reported abnormal thyroid function related to acute SARS-CoV-2 infection or even several weeks after its resolution. Indeed, a variety of thyroid disorders have been documented in COVID-19 patients, including non-thyroidal illness syndrome (NTIS), subacute thyroiditis and thyrotoxicosis. In addition, thyroid disease has already been reported as a consequence of the administration of vaccines against SARS-CoV-2. Overall, the data revealed that abnormal thyroid function may occur during and in the convalescence post-COVID condition phase. Although the cellular and molecular mechanisms are not completely understood, the evidence suggests that the "cytokine storm" is an important mediator in this context. Thus, future studies are needed to better investigate the pathophysiology of thyroid dysfunction induced by COVID-19 at both molecular and clinical levels.
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Affiliation(s)
- Camila Lüdke Rossetti
- Institute of Biophysics Carlos Chagas Filho, Universidade Federal do Rio de Janeiro, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
| | - Juliana Cazarin
- Institute of Biophysics Carlos Chagas Filho, Universidade Federal do Rio de Janeiro, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
| | - Fabio Hecht
- Institute of Biophysics Carlos Chagas Filho, Universidade Federal do Rio de Janeiro, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
| | - Fabyan Esberard de Lima Beltrão
- Postgraduate Program in Nutritional Sciences, Department of Nutrition, Center for Health Sciences, Universidade Federal da Paraíba, João Pessoa, Brazil
| | - Andrea Cláudia Freitas Ferreira
- Institute of Biophysics Carlos Chagas Filho, Universidade Federal do Rio de Janeiro, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
- Campus Duque de Caxias Professor Geraldo Cidade, Universidade Federal do Rio de Janeiro, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
| | - Rodrigo Soares Fortunato
- Institute of Biophysics Carlos Chagas Filho, Universidade Federal do Rio de Janeiro, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
| | - Helton Estrela Ramos
- Department of Biorregulation, Health Sciences Institute, Universidade Federal da Bahia, Salvador, Brazil
- *Correspondence: Helton Estrela Ramos,
| | - Denise Pires de Carvalho
- Institute of Biophysics Carlos Chagas Filho, Universidade Federal do Rio de Janeiro, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
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