Int J Thyroidol.  2015 Nov;8(2):204-210. 10.11106/ijt.2015.8.2.204.

Recurrent Hyperthyroidism Following Postpartum Thyroiditis in a Woman with Hashimoto's Thyroiditis

• Kim KH
• Song SK
• Kim JH

• KMID: 2171231
• DOI: http://doi.org/10.11106/ijt.2015.8.2.204

Abstract

Postpartum thyroid dysfunction occurs in 5-10% of women within one year after delivery. Women with hypothyroidism antedating pregnancy are at high risk for postpartum thyroiditis and should be closely monitored during the first year post-partum. Here, we report a case of recurrent hyperthyroidism between two episodes of postpartum thyroiditis in a woman diagnosed with subclinical hypothyroidism prior to pregnancy. It is of particular interest that spontaneously remitting hyperthyroidism as a sequela of postpartum thyroiditis can occur.

Keyword

Hyperthyroidism; Postpartum; Thyroiditis; Hypothyroidism

MeSH Terms

Female
Humans
Hyperthyroidism*
Hypothyroidism
Postpartum Period*
Postpartum Thyroiditis*
Pregnancy
Thyroid Gland*
Thyroiditis*

Figure

• 

  Fig. 1. Anterior view images of a Tc-99m pertechnetate scan in thyrotoxic phase. (A) Postpartum thyroiditis, (B) The first episode of hyperthyroidism, (C) The second episode of hyperthyroidism, (D) A relapse of postpartum thyroiditis. The normal range of thyroid trapping index in our laboratory is 2.5–6.0. In this case, they were 1.2 (A), 11.3 (B), 3.4 (C), and 1.1 (D).

• 

  Fig. 2. Serum free T4 change during pregnancy and after delivery in our patient with Hashimoto's thyroiditis. The dosages of L-T4 (levothyroxine) are shown at the top.

Reference

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