Weight Loss and Severe Jaundice in a Patient with Hyperthyroidism

Zusammenfassung

Hintergrund: Eine Hyperthyreose kann zu einer Beeinträchtigung der Leberfunktion führen. Eine Assoziation der autoimmunbedingten Hyperthyreose findet sich mit einer Autoimmunhepatitis. Fallbericht: Wir berichten über einen Patienten mit Morbus Basedow und einer histologisch gesicherten cholestatischen Hepatitis. Die adäquate Behandlung der Hyperthyreose normalisierte die Leberfunktion. Schlussfolgerung: Bei Patienten mit einer gestörten Leberfunktion und Ikterus unklarer Genese sollte die Schilddrüsenfunktion getestet werden. Obwohl Thyreostatika ebenso zu einer Hepatitis führen können, kann eine unbehandelte Hyperthyreose bis zu einem chronischen Leberversagen führen.

Abstract

Background: Thyrotoxicosis may significantly alter hepatic function and is associated with autoimmune disorders of the liver. Case report: We report the case of a thyrotoxic patient with Graves’ disease and histologically established cholestatic hepatitis. Medical treatment of hyperthyroidism normalized liver function tests. Conclusions: In patients with elevated liver function parameters and jaundice of unknown origin, thyroid function should generally be tested. Moreover, medical treatment of hyperthyroidism with thyrostatics may cause severe hepatitis whereas untreated hyperthyroid patients are at risk of developing chronic liver failure.

Schlüsselwörter

Leber - Autoimmunhepatitis - Hyperthyreose - Ikterus

Key words

liver - autoimmune hepatitis - thyrotoxicosis - jaundice

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