Changes in thyroid-stimulating and TSH-binding inhibitory activities in a patient who developed hyperthyroidism due to Graves' disease following primary hypothyroidism

Abstract

A 23-year-old female who developed thyrotoxic Graves' disease following primary hypothyroidism was reported. She presented with symptoms of hypothyroidism and slight exophthalmos. After primary hypothyroidism was confirmed, she was treated with T4 in a dose of 50 micrograms/d. Two months after delivery, 1 year after the initial diagnosis of hypothyroidism, hyperthyroidism developed while she was taking T4. Graves' disease was confirmed by persistent thyrotoxicosis, high 99mTc thyroidal uptake, negative T3 suppressibility and detection of TSH-receptor antibodies. During the hypothyroid phase, TSH-binding inhibitory immunoglobulins (TBII) could not be detected, while thyroid stimulating antibodies (TSAb) were positive showing between 5.8 and 9.0 fold increases in the amount of cAMP produced in cultured porcine thyroid cells. Her IgG did not inhibit TSH-induced cAMP increase in vitro. When she developed hyperthyroidism, TSAb activity became more potent (31.7 fold increase in cAMP) and TBII became positive (+61.3%).