Exacerbation of Graves Ophthalmopathy With Interferon-α Therapy

Sarcoid-related dacryoadenitis following treatment with interferon alpha and ribavarin for hepatitis C

Sarcoidosis is an increasingly well-recognised complication of interferon therapy for hepatitis C infection, primarily manifesting with cutaneous or pulmonary involvement. However, we present an unusual case of sarcoid-related dacryoadenitis in a 67-year-old Caucasian lady following such treatment. The literature relating to ophthalmic presentations of interferon-related sarcoidosis is reviewed, and the potential for confusion with interferon-induced thyroid- associated orbitopathy is discussed.

The influence of hepatitis C infection and interferon-alpha therapy on thyrotropin blocking and stimulating autoantibodies in Graves' ophthalmopathy: a case report

Background

Hepatitis C virus is a highly immunogenic pathogen often inducing autoimmune activation changes and this can often be further exacerbated by Interferon therapy. As HCV is lymphocytotropic, it can modulate T cell and B cell antibody responses, affecting many endocrine organs, most commonly the thyroid.

Case presentation

We hereby describe a case of fluctuating and wavering thyrotropin autoantibodies of both stimulating and blocking nature in the setting of Graves's ophthalmopathy, hepatitis C infection and interferon-α, causing hypo- and subsequently hyper-thyroidism. The autoantibody profile was clearly modified during interferon therapy and settled into a new equilibrium at the completion of treatment.

Conclusion

The case highlights the possible existence of a dual thyroid autoantibody population associated with hepatitis C, and its modulation by interferon therapy, which further compounds the difficulties in the assessment thyroid disease in this setting.