[Children with hyperthyroidism due to elevated hCG levels]

Ned Tijdschr Geneeskd. 2014:158:A7827.
[Article in Dutch]

Abstract

We describe two children with hyperthyroidism secondary to elevated hCG levels: one patient with gestational trophoblastic disease and one patient with choriocarcinoma. hCG resembles other glycoproteins that can lead to hyperthyroidism through TSH receptor activation. Also, through its LH-mimicking effect, hCG can induce high oestradiol levels, resulting in stormy pubertal development. False negative hCG tests due to the high-dose hook effect may complicate the diagnostic process. In patients with antibody-negative thyrotoxicosis, the diagnosis of hCG-induced hyperthyroidism must be considered.

Publication types

  • Case Reports
  • Review

MeSH terms

  • Adolescent
  • Child
  • Chorionic Gonadotropin / blood*
  • Diagnosis, Differential
  • Female
  • Gestational Trophoblastic Disease / blood
  • Gestational Trophoblastic Disease / complications
  • Gestational Trophoblastic Disease / diagnosis*
  • Humans
  • Hyperthyroidism / diagnosis*
  • Hyperthyroidism / etiology
  • Ovarian Neoplasms / blood
  • Ovarian Neoplasms / complications
  • Ovarian Neoplasms / diagnosis*
  • Pregnancy

Substances

  • Chorionic Gonadotropin