Dermopathy of Graves' disease (pretibial myxedema): long-term outcome

Selected musculoskeletal disorders in patients with thyroid dysfunction, diabetes, and obesity

Many medical conditions affect the skeletal system and constitute independent risk factors for fractures. The action of thyroid hormones is necessary to maintain adequate development, mineralization, and bone strength. Untreated hyperthyroidism can lead to a decrease in bone mineral density (BMD), osteoporosis, and pathological fractures. In hypothyroidism, the changes in the quality of bone structure lead to an increase in the frequency of fractures. Excessive body weight negatively impacts fracture risk, increases the risk of osteoarthritis and accelerates the development of rheumatoid arthritis and osteoporosis. Type 1 and type 2 diabetes are associated with an increased risk of bone fractures despite different etiopathogenesis due to the duration of the disease and the pro-inflammatory state, the incorporation of advanced glycation end products (AGEs) into the bone matrix, and microvascular disorders. This study summarizes the current literature on the influence of thyroid dysfunction, obesity, and diabetes on the skeletal system.

[An integrated approach to the treatment of pretibial myxedema based on pulse therapy with prednisolone and electrical neuromyostimulation (FREMS-therapy) in a patient with Graves' disease and thyroid eye disease]

Graves' disease (GD) is one of the urgent problems of modern endocrinology, characterized by a high frequency, polysystemic damage to the body, a steadily progressive course, diagnostic difficulties, a high degree of disability and often resistance to therapy. The manifestations of the disease include: thyrotoxicosis syndrome with impaired lipid and carbohydrate metabolism, and activation of multiple organ pathology in the form of thyroid eye disease (TED), pretibial myxedema, cardiovascular insufficiency, acropathy, lesions of the nervous, osteoarticular system, and other lesions. The development of multiple organ pathology can have a different sequence, different time intervals and different degrees of severity. Any developments in the direction of clarifying the etiopathogenetic, clinical diagnostic and treatment-rehabilitation measures are of undoubted significance. We present a clinical case of GD, TED and pretibial myxedema, in which an integrated approach was tested in the tactics of treating pretibial myxedema (a combination of pulse therapy with prednisolone and FREMS-therapy), as a result of which positive results were obtained within a short time.

A Case of Elephantiasic Pretibial Myxedema Successfully Treated With Intralesional Triamcinolone Acetate

Graves' dermopathy is one of the extra-thyroidal manifestations of Graves’ disease (GD) and is characterized by the accumulation of glycosaminoglycans in the reticular dermis. In the majority of cases, pretibial myxedema is self-limiting but, in some cases, it can lead to structural and functional damage. Topical steroids with occlusive dressing remain the conventional treatment, but intralesional steroids have shown promising results. We hereby present a case of pretibial myxedema treated successfully with intralesional triamcinolone acetate. 

The Unlikely Suspect: A Case Report of New-Onset Hyperthyroidism Due to Graves' Disease in an 89-Year-Old Gentleman and Review of Literature

Thyroid dysfunction in the elderly commonly manifests as hypothyroidism. With advancing age, toxic nodules are the more common cause of hyperthyroidism as compared to Graves' disease. Due to the lack of classical symptoms of hyperthyroidism in the elderly, the diagnosis can often be delayed. Previously, an 82-year-old gentleman with oropharyngeal dysphagia due to Graves' disease was the oldest reported case with atypical symptoms. We report a case of an 89-year-old gentleman with no prior history of thyroid disease, who presented with non-specific gastrointestinal symptoms that ultimately led to the diagnosis of hyperthyroidism secondary to Graves' disease. We also review the available literature regarding the pathophysiology, clinical presentation, and management of hyperthyroidism and Graves' disease in the elderly.

Bilateral breast myxedema caused by Graves' disease and responsive to multipoint subcutaneous injection of long-acting glucocorticoid: Case report

RATIONALE

With the absence of ophthalmopathy, thyroid dermopathy especially lesions at atypical locations is a very rare presentation. We herein report an original case of bilateral breast myxedema caused by Grave's disease.

PATIENT CONCERNS

A 21-year-old unmarried woman presented with a 4-month history of Grave's disease and a 1-month history of progressive bilateral breast enlargement. She had symmetrical bilateral breast enlargement with redness and nonpitting thickening of the skin, diffusely enlarged thyroid glands, and no exophthalmos.

DIAGNOSIS

Ultrasonography, magnetic resonance imaging scan, and skin biopsy confirmed the diagnosis of bilateral breast myxedema.

INTERVENTIONS

The patient was treated with multipoint subcutaneous injections of triamcinolone acetonide in each breast every month.

OUTCOMES

The bilateral breast returned approximately to its normal size after therapy for 6 months.

CONCLUSIONS

Our case illustrates that multipoint subcutaneous injection of glucocorticoids is beneficial for bilateral breast myxedema.

Insidious-Onset Indurated Plaques on the Shins

A 64-year old male presented with a several-year history of an insidious-onset tender, itchy and xerotic rash on his lower legs. Past medical history was significant for Graves’ disease and Graves’ ophthalmopathy. The examination revealed peau d’orange-appearing plaques on his shins clinically consistent with pretibial myxedema. A punch biopsy showed separation of collagen bundles with extensive dermal mucin deposition, confirming the diagnosis of pretibial myxedema. After initially failing treatment with a topical clobetasol 0.05% ointment, the patient switched to regular pentoxifylline and triamcinolone 0.1% ointment under occlusion. He remains under follow-up.

Clinical Profiles of Thyroid Dermopathy: A Dermato-Endocrinological Perspective

Thyroid disorders sometimes have extra-thyroidal manifestations. Hyperthyroidism is a clinical syndrome resulting from excessive secretion of thyroid hormones. The most common cause is Graves’ disease. About 0.5–4.3% of patients with Graves’ disease have an infiltrative dermopathy called thyroid dermopathy, which is due to excessive deposition of glycosaminoglycans from activated fibroblasts. Skin fibroblasts are activated by thyroid stimulating hormone receptor antibodies the whole process being initiated by T lymphocytes. Rarely, thyroid dermopathy is also found in other thyroid disorders such as Hashimoto thyroiditis. The diffuse non-pitting edema variant is the most common clinical presentation. Other variants include the nodular, plaque, mixed, and elephantiasis types. Usually, the main concerns of the patients are cosmetic, discomfort, and difficulty in wearing shoes. Thyroid dermopathy usually presents after the diagnosis of Graves’ disease, but it may also present together or sometime after this condition. Rarely, thyroid dermopathy presents before the diagnosis of Graves’ disease is made. Apart from the shin and feet, other sites that can be affected include the arms, forearms, back, thighs, pinna, and nose. The management is multidisciplinary, involving dermatologists and endocrinologists. Usually, controlling the thyroid dysfunction does not translate into regression of the skin lesions. However, many patients have their thyroid dermopathy regress spontaneously, while others usually require local therapy. Other therapeutic options include systemic therapy such as pentoxifylline, compressive physiotherapy, and surgery.

Management of Graves Thyroidal and Extrathyroidal Disease: An Update

CONTEXT

Invited update on the management of systemic autoimmune Graves disease (GD) and associated Graves orbitopathy (GO).

EVIDENCE ACQUISITION

Guidelines, pertinent original articles, systemic reviews, and meta-analyses.

EVIDENCE SYNTHESIS

Thyrotropin receptor antibodies (TSH-R-Abs), foremost the stimulatory TSH-R-Abs, are a specific biomarker for GD. Their measurement assists in the differential diagnosis of hyperthyroidism and offers accurate and rapid diagnosis of GD. Thyroid ultrasound is a sensitive imaging tool for GD. Worldwide, thionamides are the favored treatment (12-18 months) of newly diagnosed GD, with methimazole (MMI) as the preferred drug. Patients with persistently high TSH-R-Abs and/or persistent hyperthyroidism at 18 months, or with a relapse after completing a course of MMI, can opt for a definitive therapy with radioactive iodine (RAI) or total thyroidectomy (TX). Continued long-term, low-dose MMI administration is a valuable and safe alternative. Patient choice, both at initial presentation of GD and at recurrence, should be emphasized. Propylthiouracil is preferred to MMI during the first trimester of pregnancy. TX is best performed by a high-volume thyroid surgeon. RAI should be avoided in GD patients with active GO, especially in smokers. Recently, a promising therapy with an anti-insulin-like growth factor-1 monoclonal antibody for patients with active/severe GO was approved by the Food and Drug Administration. COVID-19 infection is a risk factor for poorly controlled hyperthyroidism, which contributes to the infection-related mortality risk. If GO is not severe, systemic steroid treatment should be postponed during COVID-19 while local treatment and preventive measures are offered.

CONCLUSIONS

A clear trend towards serological diagnosis and medical treatment of GD has emerged.

Thyroid-Stimulating Hormone Receptor Autoimmunity and Local Factors in Multiple Risk Factors Are Mainly Involved in the Occurrence of Pretibial Myxedema

Background

Pretibial myxedema (PTM) is a local mucinous dermopathy associated with thyroid diseases. Since the etiology of PTM is unclear, the aim of this study is to identify the risk factors for PTM and their etiological roles in PTM occurrence.

Methods

A large-scale case-control study (n = 1,200) was performed to identify risk factors for PTM by calculating odds ratio (OR) values and 95% confidential intervals. The PTM group entered a glucocorticoid treatment trial. Patients with complete response were followed up to the first relapse in a cohort study. The relative risk (RR) values of the main risk factors were calculated for PTM relapse to test their etiological roles.

Results

Among the 19 factors, six risk factors were identified: thyroid-stimulating hormone (TSH) receptor antibody (TRAb) (OR 42.93), autoimmune thyroid disease (AITD) or AITD history (OR 10.30), local trauma (OR 6.55), venous stasis posture (OR 6.16), cigarette smoking (OR 4.48), and age (OR 1.05). Serum TRAb levels were positively correlated with the severity of PTM. Of note, 371/400 patients received glucocorticoid treatment, and 330 achieved complete response. The serum TRAb levels after treatment decreased dramatically compared with those before treatment. After stopping glucocorticoid treatment, serum TRAb levels increased significantly when PTM relapsed (P < 0.001). In 165 relapse cases, an increase in serum TRAb levels occurred first, followed by persistent venous stasis posture or local trauma and finally PTM. The RR of elevated serum TRAb levels was 6.73 in PTM relapse cases. In the elevated serum TRAb level group, the RRs of local trauma, venous stasis posture, and local trauma plus venous stasis posture were 8.81, 6.5, and 8.84, respectively, for PTM relapse cases.

Conclusions

TSHR autoimmunity and local factors in the six identified risk factors are the main causes of PTM occurrence.

Intralesional and topical glucocorticoids for pretibial myxedema: A case report and review of literature

Pretibial myxedema (PTM), an uncommon manifestation of Graves’ disease (GD), is a local autoimmune reaction in the cutaneous tissue. The treatment of PTM is a clinical challenge. We herein report on a patient with PTM who achieved complete remission by multipoint subcutaneous injections of a long-acting glucocorticoid and topical glucocorticoid ointment application for a self-controlled study. A 53-year-old male presented with a history of GD for 3.5 years and a history of PTM for 1.5 years. Physical examination revealed slight exophthalmos, a diffusely enlarged thyroid gland, and PTM of both lower extremities. One milliliter of triamcinolone acetonide (40 mg) was mixed well with 9 mL of 2% lidocaine in a 10 mL syringe. Multipoint intralesional injections into the skin lesions of the right lower extremity were conducted with 0.5 mL of the premixed solution. A halometasone ointment was used once daily for PTM of the left lower extremity until the PTM had remitted completely. The patient’s PTM achieved complete remission in both legs after an approximately 5-mo period of therpy that included triamcinolone injections once a week for 8 wk and then once a month for 2 mo for the right lower extremity and halometasone ointment application once daily for 8 wk and then once 3-5 d for 2 mo for the left lower extremity. The total dosage of triamcinolone acetonide for the right leg was 200 mg. Our experience with this patient suggests that multipoint subcutaneous injections of a long-acting glucocorticoid and topical glucocorticoid ointment application are safe, effective, and convenient treatments. However, the topical application of a glucocorticoid ointment is a more convenient treatment for patients with PTM.

Pretibial Myxedema Presenting as Severe Elephantiasis

Elephantiasis is a symptom characterized by the thickening of the skin and underlying tissues in the legs. Pretibial myxedema (PTM) is a non-frequent manifestation of autoimmune thyroiditis, particularly Graves' disease. Lesions of myxedema occur most commonly on the pretibial surfaces, also develop at sites of previous injury or scars and other areas. A 49-year-old male presented with severe elephantiasis on the both pretibial areas, dorsum of the feet, ankles and toes. Twenty years previously, he had received radioactive iodine treatment for thyrotoxicosis. Laboratory tests showed that the patient's thyroid function was normal, but the level of thyroid stimulating hormone (TSH) receptor antibodies was very high (>40 IU/L). The biopsy confirmed PTM. Interestingly, the connective tissue was stained with the TSH receptor antibodies in the deep dermis. Elephantiasic PTM is a severe form of the myxedema and there is few reported case. We report a rare case of PTM with appearance of severe elephantiasis.

Treatment of pretibial myxedema with intralesional immunomodulating therapy

Objective

Local immune regulation therapy has been one of the therapeutic methods used for the treatment of autoimmune thyroid disease in patients with pretibial myxedema (PTM). However, the poor response rate and high recurrence rate are still major problems. Whether a premixed corticosteroid, compound betamethasone, could enhance remission rate and decrease recurrence rate in patients with PTM was investigated in the present study.

Subjects and methods

We have performed a clinical utility observation of compound betamethasone with intralesional injections based on basic thyroid disease treatment in 32 PTM patients between January 2008 and August 2016. The patients were followed up for 2 years, and the clinical outcomes and side effects were calculated and analyzed.

Results

All patients had a complete remission after different times of injection. A total of 21.7% patients had complete remission with one time of injection, 34.8% with two times of injection, 17.4% with three times of injection, 4.3% with four times of injection, and 4.3% with five times of injection. In all, 56.3% patients with a disease duration of <6 months had complete remission after a 1-month treatment, 37.5% patients with a disease duration between 6 months and 12 months had complete remission after a 2-month treatment, 3.1% patients with a disease duration of 2 years had complete remission after a 5-month treatment, and 3.1% with a disease duration of 5 years had complete remission after a 7-month treatment.

Conclusion

Compound betamethasone with multipoint intralesional injection is a feasible, effective, and secure novel strategy in the treatment of PTM.

Hyperthyroidism

Hyperthyroidism is characterised by increased thyroid hormone synthesis and secretion from the thyroid gland, whereas thyrotoxicosis refers to the clinical syndrome of excess circulating thyroid hormones, irrespective of the source. The most common cause of hyperthyroidism is Graves' disease, followed by toxic nodular goitre. Other important causes of thyrotoxicosis include thyroiditis, iodine-induced and drug-induced thyroid dysfunction, and factitious ingestion of excess thyroid hormones. Treatment options for Graves' disease include antithyroid drugs, radioactive iodine therapy, and surgery, whereas antithyroid drugs are not generally used long term in toxic nodular goitre, because of the high relapse rate of thyrotoxicosis after discontinuation. β blockers are used in symptomatic thyrotoxicosis, and might be the only treatment needed for thyrotoxicosis not caused by excessive production and release of the thyroid hormones. Thyroid storm and hyperthyroidism in pregnancy and during the post-partum period are special circumstances that need careful assessment and treatment.

Morphological Diversity of Pretibial Myxedema and Its Mechanism of Evolving Process and Outcome: A Retrospective Study of 216 Cases

Background. Pretibial myxedema (PTM) is a rare dermopathy. The morphologic features and mechanism of its evolving process are not reported in large case series. Methods. 216 cases with PTM were retrospectively reviewed to analyze demographics, history, lesional morphology and its evolving process, histopathology and immunohistochemistry, serum TRAb levels, treatment, and outcome. Results. First appearing lesions evolved into 6 variants that were correlated with serum TRAb levels. Subvariants were caused by different kinds and frequencies of local trauma. The evolving process could be classified into 4 stages that were correlated with serum TRAb levels and perivascular infiltration of CD8+ and CD4+ lymphocytes. Serum TRAb levels at remission and in nonrecurred cases became lower than those before therapy and in recurred cases, respectively, but increased when PTM relapsed. TRAb level in nodule variant went down invariably with the extension of course and its autoimmune activity had a trend to stop but in other 5 variants TRAb levels fluctuated. Their autoimmune activities had no trends to stop and clinically worsen through intermittent repeats of active and stable stages. Conclusions. In the chronic course of PTM, nodule variant is self-limited and other 5 variants are not self-limited. PTM needed early treatment to avoid severe variants.

Pre-tibial myxedema: treatment with intralesional corticosteroid

The pretibial myxedema is a manifestation of Graves' disease characterized by accumulation of glycosaminoglycans in the reticular dermis. The dermopathy is self-limiting but in some cases may cause cosmetic and functional damage. Conventional treatment is use of topical steroids under occlusive dressing, however the intralesional application has shown good results. We present a case of pretibial myxedema treated with single injection of intralesional corticosteroid.

A Randomized Controlled Trial of Intralesional Glucocorticoid for Treating Pretibial Myxedema

BACKGROUND

Pretibial myxedema (PTM) is an uncommon dermopathy associated with autoimmune thyroid diseases. Now it is thought to be autoimmune and its treatment with glucocorticoid is helpful. However, it has not been evaluated.

METHODS

A prospective randomized controlled trial was performed in 110 patients with PTM to evaluate the efficacy and safety of triamcinolone acetonide with intralesional injection once every 3 days and once every 7 days. Randomization was performed with drawing lots and it was also stratified according to variants of PTM lesions. In the follow-up, recurrent rates were observed. The SPSS Statistics 17.0 Software was used in the statistical analysis.

RESULTS

The complete response rates were 78.2%, 83.6%, and 87.3% in regimen 1 and 50.9%, 89.1%, and 90.9% in regimen 2 at 3 weeks, 7 weeks and the end of therapy, respectively. Regimen 1 had an earlier efficacy than regimen 2, but at 7 weeks and end of therapy, there were no differences between two regimens. The majority of non-severe variants got complete response but severe variants did not. The adverse reaction rates in regimen 1 were higher and earlier than those in regimen 2. Adverse reaction occurring time in regimen 1 was shorter than that in regimen 2. Recurrent rates were 31.25% and 32% in regimens 1 and 2 at 3.5-year follow-up.

CONCLUSIONS

For its autoimmune, hyperplasia and disabled features, early treatment of PTM with glucocorticoid is necessary to get complete response. Dosage and frequency of intralesional steroid injection and lesional variants influence the efficacy of PTM. Once every 7 days is a better regimen.

Nodular Foot Myxedema Masquerading as Lymphedema

Lymphedema results from abnormal development or injury to the lymphatic system. One-fourth of patients with lower extremity enlargement are erroneously labeled with “lymphedema.” We describe a patient with hypothyroidism who developed soft-tissue overgrowth of her foot. She was referred to our Lymphedema Program for management of “lymphedema” and overgrown toes. The patient’s lymphoscintigram showed normal lymphatic function in her extremities, and she was diagnosed with myxedema by histopathology. Nodular localized myxedema should be included in the differential diagnosis of lymphedema.

Radiation therapy as part of the therapeutic regimen for extensive multilocular myxedema in a patient with exophthalmos, myxedema and osteoarthropathy syndrome: A case report

Exophthalmos, myxedema and osteoarthropathy (EMO) comprise the triad known as EMO syndrome, which is rarely observed in patients with autoimmune thyroid disease. The present study reports the case of a patient with EMO, including the response of this rare combination to radiotherapy. A 48-year-old patient with EMO syndrome presented to the Department of Radiation Oncology, University Hospital of Muenster, eight years prior to writing with therapy-resistant pretibial myxedema and hypertrophic osteoarthropathy of the metacarpal bones. The patient had been diagnosed with Graves' disease (GD) 26 years prior to presentation, which was treated by thyroidectomy and radioiodine therapy. Four years subsequent to the diagnosis of GD, the patient developed exophthalmos, which was treated using radiotherapy. An evident pretibial, foot and hand myxedema developed within the 10 years following the onset of orbitopathy. The skin lesions were treated using radiation therapy subsequent to the failure of multiple surgical procedures and medical treatments. Almost eight years subsequent to the administration of irradiation, no recurrence was observed on the lower right leg, nor was any recurrence on the lower left leg observed approximately four years subsequent to the completion of radiotherapy. However, an additional lesion on the left hand demonstrated slow progression following treatment with radiation therapy. The present study indicates that radiation therapy can be considered as adjuvant therapy for patients with refractory myxedema, to prevent or delay the recurrence of myxedema subsequent to surgical excision.

Thyroid dermopathy-a diagnostic clue of hidden hyperthyroidism

Thyroid dermopathy is an uncommon manifestation of autoimmune thyroid disease. About 0.5%–4.3% of patients with history of thyrotoxicosis and 15% of patients with severe Graves’ ophthalmopathy have this cutaneous manifestation. However thyroid dermopathy is almost always associated with ophthalmopathy (96%) and sign and symptoms of hyperth-yroidism. The diagnosis of thyroid dermopathy is based on clinical sign and symptoms, serological thyroid hormone abnormalities supported by skin pathology. Isolated dermopathy is an uncommon manifestation of hyperthyroidism. A 35-year-old male presented with 7 months history of asymptomatic, multiple skin colored nodulo-tumorous growth over anterior aspect of both leg and one erythematous plaque with mild central atrophy on left leg. On examination most of the nodulo-tumorous growth (1 cm × 1 cm to 4 cm × 4 cm) and plaque (3 cm × 4 cm) showed ‘peau d’ orange’ appearance and were firm in consistency, indurated, non-tender with no rise of local temperature. Complete systemic and ophthalmological examination revealed no abnormalities. Abnormal thyroid function test and cutaneous deposition of mucin on histopathology suggested the diagnosis.The case is reported for its uncommon manifestation. Clinical sign should be documented and analysis of skin histopathology should be carried out in patients with suspected thyroid dermopathy.

Extrathyroidal manifestations of Graves' disease: a 2014 update

INTRODUCTION

Graves' orbitopathy (GO), thyroid dermopathy (also called pretibial myxedema) and acropachy are the extrathyroidal manifestations of Graves' disease. They occur in 25, 1.5, and 0.3 % of Graves' patients, respectively. Thus, GO is the main and most common extrathyroidal manifestation. Dermopathy is usually present if the patient is also affected with GO. The very rare acropachy occurs only in patients who also have dermopathy. GO and dermopathy have an autoimmune origin and are probably triggered by autoimmunity to the TSH receptor and, likely, the IGF-1 receptor. Both GO and dermopathy may be mild to severe.

MANAGEMENT

Mild GO usually does not require any treatment except for local measures and preventive actions (especially refraining from smoking). Currently, moderate-to-severe and active GO is best treated by systemic glucocorticoids, but response to treatment is not optimal in many instances, and retreatments and use of other modalities (glucocorticoids, orbital radiotherapy, cyclosporine) and, in the end, rehabilitative surgery are often needed. Dermopathy is usually managed by local glucocorticoid treatment. No specific treatment is available for acropachy.

PERSPECTIVES

Novel treatments are presently being investigated for GO, and particular attention is paid to the use of rituximab. It is unknown whether novel treatments for GO might be useful for the other extrathyroidal manifestations. Future novel therapies shown to be beneficial for GO in randomized studies may be empirically used for dermopathy and acropachy.

Pretibial Myxedema Associated with Euthyroid Hashimoto's Thyroiditis: A Case Report

Pretibial myxedema (PM) is an infiltrative dermopathy which is seen in grave's disease. It is also associated with hypothyroidism, but is infrequently seen in Hashimoto's thyroiditis. Lesions are seen commonly over pretibial region as non-pitting oedema or with a plaque morphology. Heat shock protein (HSP) has been reported to be expressed by fibroblasts present at affected site, which cause lesions of PM. Histopathology differentiates it from other dermatoses. Lesions usually resolve spontaneously, but therapies like potent topical steroids, intralesional steroids, gamma globulin, pentoxifylline, surgery and radiotherapy are indicated. Here, a case of PM with euthyroid Hashimoto's thyroiditis has been reported, which was proven by histopathology.

Short-term effects of combined treatment with potassium bromide and methimazole in patients with Graves' disease

BACKGROUND

Potassium bromide is used as a sedative and an anti-epileptic drug for children and adolescents. Rodent animal studies have shown that bromide ions inhibit thyroid hormone synthesis by decreasing the iodine concentration in thyroid tissue.

AIM

To observe the short-term clinical effects of combined treatment with potassium bromide and methimazole in patients with Graves' disease.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Sixty patients with Graves' diseases were randomized in groups. Thirty patients in the combined treatment group were treated with methimazole (10 mg, tid) and potassium bromide (1 g, tid); 30 patients in the methimazole only group were treated with methimazole (10 mg, tid) and starch placebo (1 g, tid). All the patients were treated with metoprolol tartrate (25 mg, bid) to control the symptoms and signs of hyperthyroidism. Patients were treated for one month. Clinical symptoms and potential side effects were monitored. Serum thyroid hormone levels were measured before and after the treatments.

RESULTS

Clinical hyperthyroidism symptoms were improved in both groups, with or without potassium bromide. Patients in the combined treatment group displayed improved clinical hyperthyroidism symptoms 10 days earlier on average (p<0.05). Furthermore, blood thyroid hormone levels decreased to normal levels in 93% (28/30) of patients in the combined treatment group, compared with only 37% (5/30) of patients in the methimazole only group (p<0.05).

CONCLUSIONS

Treatment of patients with Graves' disease with a novel combination therapy consisting of potassium bromide and methimazole resulted in a rapid improvement in clinical symptoms and decreased blood thyroid hormone levels to homeostatic levels faster than methimazole treatment alone.

Unilateral pitting edema of the leg as a manifestation of Graves' disease: a case report

Introduction

Graves’ hyperthyroidism has a number of well-recognized but relatively rare extrathyroid manifestations such as thyroid acropachy, pretibial myxedema, and congestive heart failure.

Case presentation

A 38-year-old Caucasian woman presented to the out-patient clinic with symptoms of hyperthyroidism lasting for approximately five months. Remarkably, she had developed pitting edema of her left leg four months before. She had gone through a conventional assessment, but the reason for the edema was not revealed. At presentation to the endocrinology clinic, the skin of both legs was of normal color and pitting edema on her left leg was of a diffuse nature and spread from her toes to two thirds of her leg. The skin surface of her left leg was smooth and had no elevations or discoloration, whereas her right leg appeared normal. Based on signs and symptoms of thyrotoxicosis and suppressed thyroid-stimulating hormone level (less than 0.001mIU/L, local reference of 0.4 to 4), treatment of 10mg of thiamazole three times a day was started. Additional blood tests revealed marked Graves’ hyperthyroidism with elevated free T4 and anti-thyroid receptor antibodies. Within a month, the free T4 level was normalized and the edema was completely cleared and never reappeared during the treatment course of 12 months.

Conclusions

To the best of our knowledge, this is the first description of unilateral treatment-responsive leg edema as a manifestation of Graves’ hyperthyroidism. However, the pathophysiological mechanism underlying this case of edema remains unclear.

Dermopathy of Graves' disease: Clinico-pathological correlation

Dermopathy of Graves' disease is a classical, but uncommon extrathyroidal manifestation of Graves' disease. The images of a typical case of dermopathy of Graves' disease are presented along with clinico-pathological correlation.