J Korean Thyroid Assoc.  2013 May;6(1):75-79. 10.11106/jkta.2013.6.1.75.

Two Cases of Postpartum Thyroiditis Followed by Graves' Disease

• Yang JH
• Han EJ
• Yim CH

• KMID: 1428457
• DOI: http://doi.org/10.11106/jkta.2013.6.1.75

Abstract

The most common thyroid dysfunctions that occur after delivery are postpartum thyroiditis (PPT) and Graves' disease (GD). PPT is more likely to occur among patients who had a history of PPT or GD. For that reason, it is possible to assume that both PPT and GD occur concomitantly after delivery. Here we report two cases of atypical postpartum thyroid dysfunctions presenting the simultaneous occurrence of PPT and GD. A 31-year-old woman with history of PPT had thyrotoxicosis and hypothyroidism of PPT followed by GD with mild symptoms. The patient recovered quickly afterwards. In the second case, a 28-year-old woman with a history of GD presented with thyrotoxicosis of PPT followed by severe GD. The patient required long-term antithyroid treatment.

Keyword

Graves' disease; Postpartum thyroiditis; Thyrotoxicosis

MeSH Terms

Female
Graves Disease
Humans
Hypothyroidism
Postpartum Period
Postpartum Thyroiditis
Thyroid Gland
Thyrotoxicosis

Figure

• 

  Fig. 1. Serum free T4 and TBII change during postpartum period. The dosages of LT4 (levothyroxine) or PTU (propylthiouracil) are shown at the top. (A) Case 1, (B) Case 2.

Reference

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