Mitral valve prolapse in autoimmune thyroid disease: an index of systemic autoimmunity?

Resolution of Thyrotoxicosis-Associated Pulmonary Hypertension With Treatment of Thyrotoxicosis: A Case-Based Report and Literature Review

We present a case of a 41-year-old Afro-Caribbean female, who was diagnosed with thyrotoxic Graves’ disease. She had a past medical history of hypertension and was on amlodipine and valsartan. There was no significant family history of note. She initially presented to Emergency Department with palpitations and excessive sweating. Her thyroid-stimulating hormone was <0.02mu/L and free triiodothyronine (T3) 29.5pmol/L at the time of diagnosis. The thyroid peroxidase antibody test was negative. She was started on carbimazole 15mg once daily and propranolol 40mg twice daily. She remained non-compliant to treatment for over two years and missed most outpatient clinic appointments and her condition remained poorly controlled during this time period. She was re-admitted to the hospital after 18 months, with high output congestive cardiac failure. An echocardiogram showed pulmonary hypertension and her right ventricular systolic pressure was measured to be 70-75mmHg. She was started on Lugol's iodine 0.2mls three times daily, propranolol 40mg three times daily, cholestyramine 4 gram four times a day, propylthiouracil 100mg four times a day. After 3 weeks of treatment, she became euthyroid and her pulmonary hypertension improved dramatically with treatment. She underwent total thyroidectomy after a few weeks and biopsies confirmed the findings of Graves’ disease. 

Thyroid Dysfunction in Patients Admitted in Cardiac Care Unit: Prevalence, Characteristic and Hospitalization Outcomes

Introduction

Cardiovascular disease is one of the main causes of hospital admission and mortality, and thyroid dysfunction increases the risk of developing acute or exacerbation of chronic cardiac conditions. The aim of this study is to investigate the prevalence of thyroid hormone abnormality among patients in the cardiac care unit (CCU) patients and its relation to admission diagnosis, clinical, biochemical data, and hospital-related outcomes.

Methods

We conducted a retrospective cohort observational that included adult patients who were admitted to the CCU. We excluded those with known thyroid dysfunction and those who received amiodarone or IV contrast.

Results

A total of 374 patients with a mean age of 62.7+14.7 years old were included. Ischemic changes were observed in 70.6% of the patients based on the admission diagnosis. In comparison to the non-ischemic group, the ischemic group was more likely to be male (P=0.010), to be active/former smokers (P=0.011), to have diabetes (P=0.009), to have diastolic dysfunction (P=<0.001), to have undergone thrombolysis (P=<0.001), and to have been referred to a tertiary center (P=<0.001). Euthyroidism was observed in 57.8% of the patients based on the thyroid function test at admission. Compared to patients with thyroid dysfunction, those with Euthyroidism were more likely to be active/former smokers (P=0.002), to have lower heart rates (P=0.018), to not have chronic kidney disease (P=0.016), to not have heart failure (P=0.006), to have lower thyroid-stimulating hormone (TSH) levels (P=<0.001), and to have lower tricuspid regurgitation (P=0.042).

Conclusion

Thyroid dysfunction is common among patients admitted to the CCU. Non-significant positive correlations between TSH and hospitalization length, tertiary center referral, 30-day readmission, and in-hospital mortality when adjusting for potential confounders.

Investigation of autoimmune diseases accompanying Hashimoto's thyroiditis in children and adolescents and evaluation of cardiac signs

OBJECTIVE

In the present study, it was aimed to investigate the concomitance of additional cardiac problems, mainly mitral valve prolapse, in adolescents and pediatric patients with Hashimoto's thyroiditis, by screening autoimmune markers.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Fifty-seven euthyroid patients, who applied to the Pediatric Endocrinology clinic at our institution with marked symptoms of hypothyroidism at the time of diagnosis, and were diagnosed and treated for Hashimoto's thyroiditis, were included in the present study. All patients were evaluated by performing non-organ specific autoantibodies which could be tested at our institution, thyroid ultrasonography, two-dimensional echocardiography, and 24-h holter monitorization.

RESULTS

Of the 57 cases with Hashimoto's thyroiditis, 48 (84.2%) were female, and nine (15.8%) were male. In the echocardiographic evaluation, mitral valve problems were detected in 10 (17.5%) of all cases; mitral valve prolapse was diagnosed in eight (seven females and one male) cases, and mitral insufficiency was diagnosed in two female cases. First-degree atrioventricular block was observed in only two patients during 24-h holter monitorization. Different non-organ specific autoantibody positivity was distributed as antinuclear antibody in 15 (26.3%) cases, anticardiolipin IgG in two cases, anticardiolipin IgM in three cases, tissue transglutaminase IgA in one, glutamic acid decarboxylase in one, anti-insulin antibody in four cases, antiphospholipid IgG in one, and antiphospholipid IgM in one case.

CONCLUSION

It should be underlined that patients with Hashimoto's thyroiditis should to be followed up closely for mitral valve prolapse and accompanying autoimmune diseases.

Hashimoto's thyroiditis in patients with normal thyroid-stimulating hormone levels

Hashimoto's thyroiditis (HT) is one of the most common autoimmune endocrine disorders and often leads to hypothyroidism. It has been shown to substantially affect a patient's quality of life. Associated conditions and diseases were thought to be attributable to hypothyroidism. Yet, many patients still suffer from various symptoms even though all thyroid parameters are within the normal range. Independently of thyroid gland function, HT is associated with a wide range of organ-specific and non-organ-specific autoimmune disorders, as well as other diseases, including neuropsychological/psychiatric deficits, decreased left ventricular performance, disorders of the gut, fibromyalgia and reproductive health issues, among others. The underlying pathomechanisms remain unclear. Future treatment options might include thyroidectomy, selenium administration, prophylactic levothyroxine supplementation and dehydroepiandrosterone. However, further research is warranted to clarify the main pathophysiologic implications of thyroid autoimmunity and also to establish treatment options for euthyroid patients who suffer from HT-related symptoms and diseases.

Cardiovascular involvement in patients with different causes of hyperthyroidism

Various clinical disorders can cause hyperthyroidism, the effects of which vary according to the patient's age, severity of clinical presentation and association with other comorbidities. Hyperthyroidism is associated with increased morbidity and mortality from cardiovascular disease, although whether the risk of specific cardiovascular complications is related to the etiology of hyperthyroidism is unknown. This article will focus on patients with Graves disease, toxic adenoma and toxic multinodular goiter, and will compare the cardiovascular risks associated with these diseases. Patients with toxic multinodular goiter have a higher cardiovascular risk than do patients with Graves disease, although cardiovascular complications in both groups are differentially influenced by the patient's age and the cause of hyperthyroidism. Atrial fibrillation, atrial enlargement and congestive heart failure are important cardiac complications of hyperthyroidism and are prevalent in patients aged > or = 60 years with toxic multinodular goiter, particularly in those with underlying cardiac disease. An increased risk of stroke is common in patients > 65 years of age with atrial fibrillation. Graves disease is linked with autoimmune complications, such as cardiac valve involvement, pulmonary arterial hypertension and specific cardiomyopathy. Consequently, the etiology of hyperthyroidism must be established to enable correct treatment of the disease and the cardiovascular complications.

Systolic pulmonary artery pressure and echocardiographic measurements in patients with euthyroid Hashimoto's thyroiditis

BACKGROUND

The aim of this study was to investigate systolic pulmonary artery pressure (SPAP) and echocardiographic findings in patients with euthyroid Hashimoto's thyroiditis (HT).

METHODS

Thirty (8 male, 22 female, mean age 47.4+/-10.5 yr) consecutive patients with euthyroid HT and 30 (9 male, 21 female, mean age 46.4+/-10.7 yr) healthy controls were included in the study. Transthoracic echocardiography was performed for all patients and levels of thyroid hormones, thyroid autoantibodies, glucose, insulin, urea, and creatinine were compared.

RESULTS

There were no significant differences in sex, age, body mass index, serum free T4, serum TSH, lipid profiles between patients and controls. Mean SPAP in patients with euthyroid HT were significantly higher than in controls (31.6+/-5.0 vs 25.6+/-4.5 mmHg, p=0.005). Late diastolic transmitral velocity and isovolumic relaxation time were also significantly higher in patients in comparison to controls. In addition, euthyroid HT patients with tricuspid or mitral regurgitation had a higher grade. Correlation between SPAP and antithyroid antibodies and TSH, however, was not significant in this population.

CONCLUSIONS

Pulmonary arterial pressure is higher in patients with euthyroid HT. There may be a relationship between elevated pulmonary arterial pressure and autoimmune thyroid disease independent from thyroid function status. However, further investigations are needed to determine the exact mechanism of association between autoimmune thyroid diseases and pulmonary hypertension.

Mitral valve prolapse in young healthy individuals. An early index of autoimmunity?

Mitral valve prolapse (MVP) is a benign valvular abnormality. However, an increased prevalence of MVP is reported in patients with systemic lupus erythematosus and autoimmune thyroid disease. Our aim was to evaluate whether the presence of MVP in healthy individuals might indicate a premature index of subclinical autoimmune disorder. A total of 75 individuals with MVP and 44 individuals without MVP were identified by echocardiography. Serum samples were examined for various organ and non-organ specific autoantibodies. In all, 35 of the 75 individuals with MVP had at least one autoantibody. ANA were detected in 17/75 in MVP(+) versus 1/44 in the MVP(-), (P < 0.05), and anti-ENA in 6/75 in the MVP(+) versus 0/44 in the control group, P = ns. In the MVP(+) group, thyroid autoantibodies, IgA and IgG RF were found at a statistically significant higher incidence, 16/75, 11/75 and 10/75 versus 1/44, 0/44 and 0/44 in the MVP(-)group, respectively (P < 0.05). The levels of IgG anticardiolipin antibodies were significantly higher in the MVP(+) group, P < 0.05. The presence of organ and non-organ specific autoantibodies in young healthy MVP(+) individuals insinuate the presence of subclinical autoimmunity and might suggest that autoimmune mechanisms might be involved in its pathogenesis. A follow-up of these individuals might elucidate whether MVP constitutes an early index of autoimmunity.

Thyrotoxic cardiac disease

The most recognizable features of hyperthyroidism are those that result from the effects of triiodothyronine (T3) on the heart and cardiovascular system: decreased systemic vascular resistance and increased resting heart rate, left ventricular contractility, blood volume, and cardiac output. Although these measures of cardiac performance are enhanced in hyperthyroidism, the finding of clinical cardiac failure can be somewhat paradoxical. About 6% of thyrotoxic individuals develop symptoms of heart failure, but less than 1% develop dilated -cardiomyopathy with impaired left ventricular systolic function. Heart failure resulting from thyrotoxicosis is due to a tachycardia-mediated mechanism leading to an increased level of cytosolic calcium during diastole with reduced ventricular contractility and diastolic dysfunction, often with tricuspid regurgitation. Pulmonary artery hypertension in thyrotoxicosis is gaining awareness as a cause of isolated right-sided heart failure. In both cases, older individuals are more likely to be affected. Treatment needs to be directed at management of the acute cardiovascular complications, control of the heart rate, and thyroid-specific therapy to restore a euthyroid state that will lead to resolution of the signs and symptoms of heart failure.

Thyroid disease and the heart

The cardiovascular signs and symptoms of thyroid disease are some of the most profound and clinically relevant findings that accompany both hyperthyroidism and hypothyroidism. On the basis of the understanding of the cellular mechanisms of thyroid hormone action on the heart and cardiovascular system, it is possible to explain the changes in cardiac output, cardiac contractility, blood pressure, vascular resistance, and rhythm disturbances that result from thyroid dysfunction. The importance of the recognition of the effects of thyroid disease on the heart also derives from the observation that restoration of normal thyroid function most often reverses the abnormal cardiovascular hemodynamics. In the present review, we discuss the appropriate thyroid function tests to establish a suspected diagnosis as well as the treatment modalities necessary to restore patients to a euthyroid state. We also review the alterations in thyroid hormone metabolism that accompany chronic congestive heart failure and the approach to the management of patients with amiodarone-induced alterations in thyroid function tests.

Juvenile thyrotoxicosis; can we do better?

Thyrotoxicosis remains a frustrating condition for the young person, family, and health professionals involved. The associated symptoms do not always suggest thyroid disease and patients can be unwell for many months before the diagnosis is made. The antithyroid drug regimen used to treat children and adolescents with thyrotoxicosis varies from one unit to another and yet the potentially life threatening side effects and remission rates post-treatment may be related to the regimen used. Most patients with thyrotoxicosis will need many years of drug therapy if the thyroid gland is not removed surgically or destroyed by radioiodine. Even "definitive" treatment will typically necessitate thyroxine replacement for life.

Mitral valve prolapse in systemic lupus erythematosus patients: clinical and immunological aspects

Mitral valve prolapse (MVP) has been reported to be associated with systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE). The aim of the present study was to determine the prevalence of MVP in SLE patients, assess its clinical significance and examine the possible association of this entity with other autoimmune indices. Eighty-seven consecutive SLE patients attending the rheumatology clinic and 73 normal control subjects were examined by M-mode, two-dimensional color-Doppler echocardiography. Serum samples were examined for various organ and non-organ specific autoantibodies. MVP was detected in 19/87 patients with SLE and in four of the healthy controls(P = 0.0057). SLE patients with MVP were younger (33.6 +/- 12.4 years) than those without MVP (41. +/- 12.9, P = 0.04) and with shorter duration of the disease (P = 0.03). We found a statistically higher prevalence of anticardiolipin antibodies (aCL) in SLE patients with prolapse (11/19) compared with SLE patients without prolapse (15/68, P = 0.04). This association was independent of age. The aCL-lgG levels were significantly higher in SLE patients with MVP (32.37 +/- 43.26) compared with SLE patients without MVP (22.24 +/- 29.95, P = 0.04). Thyroid autoantibodies tended to be more common in S LE patients with MVP. Th e prevalence of MVP is increased in SLE patients. The presence of aCL and of organ-specific autoantibodies in SLE patients with MVP might indicate the autoimmune origin of MVP. The possibility that SLE patients with MVP may be predisposed to further autoimmune diseases should be considered.

Autoimmune thyroid diseases: etiology, pathogenesis, and dermatologic manifestations

Autoimmune thyroid disease (AITD) including Graves' disease, Hashimoto's thyroiditis, and idiopathic hypothyroidism (atrophic Hashimoto's thyroiditis) is of vital concern to the dermatologist. This article reviews the cutaneous manifestations of Graves' disease and Hashimoto's thyroiditis. Recognition of dermatologic manifestations of AITD may alert practitioners to investigate for these disorders. The immune response involved in the pathogenesis of AITD is detailed. Current understanding of the role of genetic and environmental factors, antigens, and apoptosis are elaborated. The future holds exciting insight into the etiology, pathogenesis, and treatment of AITD.