Hashitoxicosis, three cases and a review of the literature
In young hyperthyroid patients, Graves’ disease is the most likely explanation for the patient’s symptoms; however, there are other reasons that have to be considered. A hyperthyroid metabolic state can also be caused by thyroid cell inflammation and destruction. Hashitoxicosis – Three cases and a review of the literature Igor A Harsch, Eckhart G Hahn, Deike Strobel As thyroid cells die, their stored supplies of thyroid hormone are released into the blood circulation. These bursts of thyroid hormones are responsible for the symptoms of hyperthyroidism. This ‘leakage’ phenomenon has nothing to do with the stimulation of the thyroidstimulating hormone (TSH)-receptor typical of Graves’ disease. It can occur in post-partum thyroiditis, ‘silent thyroiditis’, thyroiditis de Quervain and the initial ‘active’ state of Hashimoto’s thyroiditis. Hashimoto’s thyroiditis Hashimoto’s thyroiditis is an autoimmune disease first described by Hakaru Hashimoto in 1912. Antibodies against thyroid pe