TITLE:
Alternating Hyperthyroidism and Hypothyroidism in Graves’ Disease: A Case Report and Literature Review
AUTHORS:
Alya Hassan Alhajjaj, Maryam M. Al-Said, Aqeelah H. Alkhatam
KEYWORDS:
Alternating, Hypothyroidism, Hyperthyroidism, Graves, TSHR, Stimulating, Blocking
JOURNAL NAME:
Case Reports in Clinical Medicine,
Vol.9 No.12,
December
10,
2020
ABSTRACT: Background: Alternating thyroid function between hypo- and hyperthyroidism is a very rare phenomenon attributed to the switch between the types of thyroid stimulating hormone receptor autoantibodies; thyroid stimulating antibody and thyroid stimulating hormone blocking antibody. Case Presentation: We report an 18 years old male who presented with hyperthyroidism attributed to Graves’ disease. He was treated with antithyroid medication. During follow up, his thyroid function was switching between hyper- and hypothyroidism which was difficult to treat with antithyroid medication. His laboratory investigations revealed high thyroid stimulating immunoglobulin and TSH binding inhibitory immunoglobulin. Due to the difficultly of managing him with antithyroid medication, he was offered a definitive management for his Graves’ disease. Conclusion: This case demonstrates a rare challenging presentation of Graves’ disease. Patients presenting with fluctuation in thyroid function between hyper-and hypothyroidism need a definitive management for Graves’ disease.