Increased Levels of Serum Angiotensin-Converting Enzyme Activity in Hyperthyroidism

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Abstract
Serum angiotensin-converting enzyme activity was significantly elevated in 21 patients with hyperthyroidism (65 .+-. 18 U/ml) as compared with levels in healthy control subjects (30 .+-. 9 U/ml). In 8 patients treated with thionamide drugs, the enzyme activities decreased to a normal range as thyroid hormone concentrations returned to euthyroid levels. When 2 patients became hyperthyroid due to an insufficient maintenance dose of antithyroid drugs, the increase in the serum thyroid hormone concentration was followed by the reelevation of serum angiotensin-converting enzyme levels with a time lag of .apprx. 2 wk. Levels of this enzyme are increased reflecting the elevated serum thyroid hormone levels in hyperthyroidism. The hyperthyroid state should be considered when serum angiotensin-converting enzyme levels are high.