EXOPHTHALMOS AND ELEVATED THYROXINE LEVELS IN ASSOCIATION WITH LITHIUM-THERAPY

  • 1 January 1981
    • journal article
    • research article
    • Vol. 42  (10) , 398-400
Abstract
Although goiter formation and hypothyroidism are not infrequent following Li therapy, the association of exophthalmos and/or elevated thyroxine levels with Li is uncommon. A 62 yr old man was described who rapidly developed exophthalmos, elevated circulating thryoxine, elevated TSH levels and elevated radioiodine uptake within 6 wk of reexposure to lithium carbonate. When the medication was stopped, all indices of thyroid function returned to normal and the proptosis receded from 22 to 17 mm. Li decreases secretion of preformed thyroid hormone and the secondary elevation of TSH levels usually restores euthyroid status. It was proposed that in the patient, because triiodothyronine levels remained normal, the pituitary was refractory to the normal inhibitory feedback effect of thyroxine and that continued hypersecretion of TSH resulted in hyperthyroidism.

This publication has 0 references indexed in Scilit: