[Hyperthyroid and acute tonsillitis in a 23-year-old woman]

Internist (Berl). 2016 Jul;57(7):717-23. doi: 10.1007/s00108-016-0044-8.
[Article in German]

Abstract

A 23-year-old woman with preexisting Graves' disease who received thiamazole treatment presented with fever, dysphagia, hyperthyroidism and leukopenia. With suspicion of thyreotoxicosis accompanied by drug-induced agranulocytosis she was successfully managed by plasmapheresis, G‑CSF administration and inhibition of periphereal conversion of thyroid hormones. In due course she underwent thyroidectomy. Thiamazole is frequently associated with drug-induced agranulocytosis. Long-term therapy with thiamazole requires critical evaluation and alternatives should be considered early. Plasmapheresis is an adequate treatment option to achieve normal thyroid hormonal status.

Keywords: Agranulocytosis; Graves’ disease; Plasmapheresis; Thiamazole, adverse effects; Thyrotoxicosis.

Publication types

  • Case Reports

MeSH terms

  • Acute Disease
  • Adult
  • Antithyroid Agents / adverse effects
  • Combined Modality Therapy / methods
  • Diagnosis, Differential
  • Female
  • Granulocyte Colony-Stimulating Factor / administration & dosage
  • Humans
  • Hyperthyroidism / chemically induced*
  • Hyperthyroidism / diagnosis
  • Hyperthyroidism / prevention & control*
  • Methimazole / adverse effects*
  • Plasmapheresis / methods*
  • Tonsillitis / chemically induced*
  • Tonsillitis / diagnosis
  • Tonsillitis / prevention & control*
  • Treatment Outcome

Substances

  • Antithyroid Agents
  • Granulocyte Colony-Stimulating Factor
  • Methimazole