Abstract
HASHIMOTO THYROIDITIS FOLLOWING COVID-19
Venkatesh Babu I * , Seelamanthula S**
SVIMS, Sri Padmavathi Medical College for Women, India
* [email protected], ** [email protected]
Introduction: Hashimoto thyroiditis is an autoimmune condition affecting the thyroid gland, leading to hypothyroidism due to the destruction of hormone-producing cells. In the changing post-pandemic landscape, COVID-19 continues to be associated with various pathological conditions in different organs. This emphasizes the importance of considering potential links and early recognition of post-COVID-19 sequelae. We present a case report to highlight the development of Hashimoto thyroiditis following COVID-19 infection in one of our clinical encounters.
Aim: To highlight a link between COVID-19 and Hashimoto thyroiditis.
Case: A 31-year-old male, who had two previous COVID-19 infections, presented with cold intolerance, weight loss, fever, and sore throat. He denied family history of thyroid disease and other symptoms like hair loss, limb swelling, constipation, or mood disturbances. Physical examination revealed dry skin. Thyroid profile showed elevated TSH (10.910uIU/mL), low T3 (1.33 ng/mL), and T4 (8.80 ug/dL). Positive Anti-thyroid peroxidase and Anti-Thyroglobulin antibodies with hypo-echogenicity of both the lobes of the gland with coarse echotexture on thyroid ultrasound indicated Hashimoto's thyroiditis. He was then started on Levothyroxine 50mcg once daily. After 3 months, his symptoms resolved, and TSH normalized to 3.870uIU/ml. Subsequent follow-ups showed consistent improvement with TSH at 2.430uIU/mL, and he remained symptom-free and compliant with medication.
Conclusion: This case highlights a link between COVID-19 and Hashimoto thyroiditis. Through our literature search in PubMed based journals, we narrowed down to 19 relevant articles and case reports that highlight a similar association, and encompass possible mechanisms such as the virus's affinity for ACE receptors on the thyroid gland, an inflammatory cytokine storm following the infection, or damage to the hypothalamus-pituitary-thyroid axis. Recognition of this association is critical to the institution of early diagnosis, appropriate therapy and prevention of further complications.
Keywords: Hashimoto thyroiditis, covid-19.
Themes: Scientific Vision, Healthy Nation, Medicine.
