Korean J Med.  2000 Sep;59(3):325-330.

A case of rheumatoid arthritis developed during the treatment of Graves' disease

• Park JH
• Yoo WH
• Park TS
• Back HS

Abstract

The relationship between thyroid disease and rheumatic disorders has been the subject of considerable debate. Autoimmune thyroid disease (ATD), such as Graves' disease, Hashimoto's thyroiditis are occasionally associated with systemic lupus erythematosus, Sj gren syndrome, and rheumatoid arthritis (RA). Although the exact mechanism of this association is not well documented, genetic factor, immunologic defect, hormonal factor, drugs for treatment might contribute for it. There is a question of whether common factors are involved in the etiology of RA and thyroid disease, and controversy over whether an association between RA and ATD exists. The possibility of coexistent thyroid disease in patients with RA should be carefully considered throughout the course of follow-up. Recently, we experienced a 39-year-old male patient with RA during treatment of Graves' disease, and present the case here with brief review of literatures.

Keyword

Thyroid disease; Autoimmunity; Graves' disease; Arthritis; Rheumatoid

MeSH Terms

Adult
Arthritis
Arthritis, Rheumatoid*
Autoimmunity
Follow-Up Studies
Graves Disease*
Humans
Lupus Erythematosus, Systemic
Male
Thyroid Diseases
Thyroid Gland
Thyroiditis