1.Acute Ischemic Stroke Masking Underlying Hyperthyroidism: A Diagnostic Pitfall of Non-Thyroidal Illness Syndrome
Journal of the ASEAN Federation of Endocrine Societies 2026;41(S1):112-
Introduction:
Non-thyroidal illness syndrome commonly occurs during
acute systemic illnesses and is characterized by suppressed
or inappropriately normal thyroid-stimulating hormone
with low or low-normal thyroid hormone levels. This
biochemical pattern may obscure or delay the diagnosis
of underlying hyperthyroidism, especially in mild or
borderline cases. Acute stroke is a recognized trigger of
non-thyroidal illness syndrome, yet its masking effect on
hyperthyroidism is under-recognized in clinical practice.
Case:
A 58-year-old Malay male with cardiovascular risk factors
presented with an acute ischemic stroke involving the left
occipital lobe and right internal capsule. He developed
new-onset atrial fibrillation (CHA₂DS₂-VASc 3) and
mild left ventricular systolic dysfunction. Initial thyroid
function tests during the acute stroke phase showed mildly
suppressed thyroid-stimulating hormone (TSH) (0.30
mIU/L) with high-normal free T4 (21.2 pmol/L), interpreted
in the context of acute illness. The patient was clinically
stable without overt thyrotoxic features.
One month post-stroke, repeat testing revealed further TSH
suppression (0.09 mIU/L) and rising free T4 (27.6 pmol/L).
Detailed history uncovered prior Graves’ disease in 2019
with treatment default. Examination revealed a small
diffuse goiter without ophthalmopathy. The biochemical
evolution following recovery from acute illness confirmed
recurrent hyperthyroidism previously masked by nonthyroidal illness syndrome.
Conclusion
Acute stroke can induce cytokine-mediated suppression
of the hypothalamic-pituitary-thyroid axis and altered
peripheral deiodination, leading to misleading thyroid
function tests. In this case, non-thyroidal illness syndrome
blunted the biochemical severity of hyperthyroidism,
delaying recognition despite high-risk features such as atrial
fibrillation and prior Graves’ disease. Reliance on a single
thyroid function test during acute illness may therefore
result in underdiagnosis.
Euthyroid Sick Syndromes
;
Ischemic Stroke
;
Hyperthyroidism
2.Severe Biochemical Thyrotoxicosis Without Clinical Hyperthyroidism in ESRF Following Parathyroidectomy: A Diagnostic and Therapeutic Pitfall
Ahmad Syahmi Yusof Zaki ; Nur Izat Muhamad ; Ezelea Elwina Walter Sandosam ; Wan Mohd Izani Wan Mohamed
Journal of the ASEAN Federation of Endocrine Societies 2026;41(S1):116-117
Introduction:
Thyrotoxicosis following neck surgery is typically
attributed to transient destructive thyroiditis from follicular
disruption. In end-stage renal failure (ESRF), however,
altered thyroid hormone kinetics, including reduced
protein binding, impaired peripheral metabolism, and
decreased clearance, can distort biochemical interpretation. This creates a high-risk scenario where laboratory
values overestimate tissue thyrotoxicity, predisposing
to inappropriate antithyroid therapy. We present a case
demonstrating marked clinical–biochemical dissociation,
reframing postoperative thyrotoxicosis in ESRF as a
disorder of hormone handling rather than hormone
overproduction.
Case:
A 45-year-old female with ESRF on maintenance hemodialysis and tertiary hyperparathyroidism underwent total
parathyroidectomy. Preoperative thyroid function was
consistently euthyroid. Within 48 hours postoperatively,
she developed severe biochemical thyrotoxicosis (thyroidstimulating hormone 0.28 mIU/L, free thyroxine 4 [FT4] 68
pmol/L). Despite this, she remained clinically euthyroid,
with stable hemodynamics, absence of adrenergic or neuropsychiatric features, and no evidence of thyroid eye disease.
The temporal relationship strongly suggested destructive
thyroiditis secondary to surgical manipulation, with
passive release of preformed thyroid hormone. In the
context of ESRF, impaired hormone clearance and altered
binding likely amplified circulating free hormone levels
without proportional end-organ effect, resulting in striking
clinical–biochemical dissociation.
A conservative strategy was adopted. Antithyroid drugs
were withheld, given the non-synthetic mechanism of
hormone excess, and the patient was managed with close
monitoring and symptom-guided beta-blockade. Serial
thyroid function demonstrated spontaneous improvement
without complications.
Conclusion
Post-parathyroidectomy thyrotoxicosis in ESRF represents
exaggerated biochemical derangement without true tissue
toxicity. Management must prioritize physiology over
laboratory values, as misclassification risks iatrogenic
harm. This case demonstrates that in ESRF, elevated FT4
may not reflect true tissue thyrotoxicity, and reliance
on biochemical severity alone can lead to inappropriate
antithyroid therapy and iatrogenic harm.
Parathyroidectomy
;
Hyperthyroidism
;
Thyrotoxicosis
3.Hyperthyroidism and Gestational Trophoblastic Disease: A Case Report
K.J. Lingeswary ; Jean Mun Cheah ; Fei Bing Yong ; Jen Hoong Oon ; Aniqah Shamimi ; Sharifah Noor Adrilla binti Long Mohd Noor Affendi ; Gayathri Devi A/P Krishnan ; Shazatul Reza Binti Mohd Redzuan ; Subashini Rajoo
Journal of the ASEAN Federation of Endocrine Societies 2026;41(S1):118-119
Introduction:
Gestational trophoblastic disease (GTD) is an uncommon
but important cause of secondary hyperthyroidism,
termed trophoblastic hyperthyroidism, resulting from
the structural similarity between human chorionic
gonadotropin (hCG) and thyroid-stimulating hormone
(TSH). Excessively elevated hCG levels can stimulate
the TSH receptor, leading to increased thyroid hormone
production and clinically significant thyrotoxicosis. Early
recognition is essential as uncontrolled hyperthyroidism
may lead to serious perioperative complications.
Case:
We report a 50-year-old female who presented with
persistent vaginal bleeding following a prior uterine
evacuation. Clinical examination and ultrasonography
revealed a uterine mass corresponding to approximately
14 weeks’ gestation. Serum β-hCG was markedly elevated
at >1,000,000 IU/L. Histopathological evaluation confirmed
choriocarcinoma. Thyroid function tests demonstrated
severe biochemical hyperthyroidism, with suppressed TSH
and elevated free thyroxine levels. Notably, the patient did
not exhibit classic symptoms or signs of hyperthyroidism
such as palpitations, tremor, goiter, or thyroid eye signs.
She was started on beta-blockers and carbimazole for initial control. Given the underlying pathology, early definitive
surgical management was planned with multidisciplinary
input, and she subsequently underwent total abdominal
hysterectomy with bilateral salpingo-oophorectomy
successfully.
Hyperthyroidism in GTD is well described, but patients
may remain clinically asymptomatic despite significant
biochemical derangement, as seen in this case. Markedly
elevated β-hCG can mimic primary thyroid disease and
may lead to misinterpretation if the underlying cause is not
recognized. While antithyroid drugs such as carbimazole
are commonly initiated, they may have limited effect in
this setting, as the hyperthyroidism is driven by hCG rather
than intrinsic thyroid overactivity. Beta-blockers play an
important role in controlling symptoms and reducing
peripheral conversion of T4–T3. Early definitive treatment
of the underlying trophoblastic disease remains the key
to resolution.
Conclusion
Trophoblastic hyperthyroidism is a reversible condition
secondary to the underlying disease process. Treatment
of the trophoblastic tumor results in resolution of the
thyrotoxic state. Early recognition and appropriate
preoperative optimization are essential to ensure safe
patient outcomes.
Gestational Trophoblastic Disease
;
Hyperthyroidism
4.Incidence, Clinical Presentation, and Outcome of Hyperthyroidism in Children and Adolescents: A Single-Centre Study
Sivaneshwary Selvam ; Nurshadia Binti Samingan
Journal of the ASEAN Federation of Endocrine Societies 2026;41(S1):129-
Introduction:
Hyperthyroidism in children and adolescents, although uncommon, has significant effects on growth, neurodevelopment,
and quality of life. Local data in Malaysia are limited, and regional variations may influence disease presentation and
outcomes. This study aimed to determine the incidence, clinical characteristics, and treatment outcomes of paediatric
hyperthyroidism at a tertiary centre.
Methodology:
A retrospective cohort study was conducted at the Paediatric Endocrine Clinic, Universiti Malaya Medical Centre, from
2014 to 2024. Patients aged below 18 years with confirmed hyperthyroidism were included. Demographic, clinical,
biochemical, and treatment data were analyzed. Descriptive statistics were used, and associations were tested using chisquare and Fisher’s exact tests, with p <0.05 considered significant.
Results:
Forty-three patients were included, representing 9.7% of paediatric thyroid disorders. The cohort was predominantly
female (74.4%) and majority Malay, with a median age of 11.7 years. Most patients presented with typical features,
including palpitations (72.5%), goiter (62.5%), weight loss (45.0%), and heat intolerance (40.0%). However, atypical
presentations such as learning difficulties and psychological disturbances were also observed and, in some cases,
constituted the chief complaints. Notably, 82.5% of patients presented with severe thyrotoxicosis. Grave’s disease was the
predominant etiology. All patients received antithyroid drugs, mainly carbimazole, with 80.0% achieving disease control
and a median time to euthyroid state of 2 months. The duration of antithyroid drug therapy prior to cessation was shorter
than international recommendations, indicating a significant reduction in time to treatment completion. Relapse occurred
in 25.0% and was significantly associated with poor disease control (p = 0.014), while no significant associations were found
with demographic or biochemical factors. Definitive therapy was required in 35.0%, with older age, growth stunting, and
prior relapse identified as significant predictors (p <0.05).
Conclusion
Paediatric hyperthyroidism in this Malaysian cohort is predominantly due to Graves’ disease and frequently presents with
both classical and atypical manifestations, which may delay diagnosis. Despite a high proportion of severe thyrotoxicosis
at presentation, antithyroid drug therapy was effective, with a shorter duration to treatment cessation compared to
international standards. Poor disease control emerged as the strongest predictor of relapse, while older age, growth
stunting, and prior relapse predicted progression to definitive therapy. Early recognition and individualized management
are essential to optimize outcomes. Larger multicentre studies are needed to inform national clinical practice guidelines.
Adolescent
;
Child
;
Incidence
;
Hyperthyroidism
5.Factors associated with malignancy in hyperthyroid patients
Rhea Karla P. Panilagao ; Ceryl Cindy Y. Tan ; Gorgonia P. Panilagao
Philippine Journal of Internal Medicine 2025;63(2):68-76
INTRODUCTION
Hyperthyroidism was thought to lower thyroid cancer risk due to TSH suppression, potentially leading to overlooked diagnoses. This study examines clinical factors linked to thyroid cancer in hyperthyroid patients who have undergone thyroidectomy.
OBJECTIVEThis study determined the clinical factors associated with malignancy among patients with hyperthyroidism who underwent thyroidectomy in a tertiary hospital.
METHODSThis analytical cross-sectional study reviewed electronic biopsy results of adult patients who underwent thyroidectomy from January 2009 to December 2019 for hyperthyroidism secondary to Graves’ Disease, Solitary Toxic Adenoma or Multinodular Toxic Goiter. It considered factors linked to thyroid cancer, its prevalence, and clinical features associated with aggressive tumor behavior.
RESULTSSixty hyperthyroid patients who underwent thyroidectomy were included, 12 of whom have thyroid cancer. Each increase in the initial free thyroxine (FT4) leads to increased likelihood of thyroid cancer by 1.02 times (95% CI 1.001-1.03, p=0.044). The presence of thyroid nodule is associated with 24 times (95% CI 2.67-3275.62, p=0.002) higher risk of thyroid cancer, while every unit increase in mm for nodule diameter increases thyroid cancer odds by 1.04 times (95% CI 1.01-1.07, p=0.022). An FNAB pre-op diagnosis of malignancy is associated with having histopathologic diagnosis of thyroid cancer increased by 40 times (95% CI 2.42-6668.98, p=0.007). Although aggressive tumor behavior was noted among those with a younger age on average (36.35 vs 46.75 years), higher initial FT4 (95.97 vs 23.55 pmol/L), and those with sizeable diameter of multinodular goiter (95 mm vs 20 mm), only the high FT4 was statistically significant.
CONCLUSIONInitial FT4, thyroid nodules, nodule size, and pre-operative FNAB finding of a malignancy were the factors associated with thyroid cancer in hyperthyroid patients who underwent thyroidectomy. Furthermore, those with aggressive tumor behavior had higher initial FT4 levels.
Human ; Hyperthyroidism
6.A case report of an adolescent with double parathyroid adenoma presenting with multiple bone lesions and fracture
Philippine Journal of Surgical Specialties 2025;80(2):60-60
Primary hyperparathyroidism is characterized by increased secretion of parathyroid hormone, leading to hypercalcemia and skeletal and renal complications. In the past, it was diagnosed when presenting with classical signs and symptoms. Currently, the most common clinical presentation of PHPT is asymptomatic hypercalcemia, often detected by routine screening tests. Due to the changing presentations, the diagnosis can become challenging.
We present BA, a 16-year-old female with a 2-year history of multiple fractures, progressive lytic bone lesions and pain, and kidney stones. She was initially managed as a case of polyostotic fibrous dysplasia. The workup also revealed low levels of vitamin D, hypercalcemia, increased alkaline phosphatase, and elevated intact parathyroid hormones. A neck ultrasound revealed two solid masses posterior to the right thyroid lobe.
She underwent right parathyroidectomy, and a biopsy confirmed a double parathyroid adenoma.
This report also highlights the management of the case in a low-resource setting and the importance of timely diagnosis of primary hyperthyroidism to prevent a delay in the management, which could cause unnecessary pain, bone deformities, and disability.
Human ; Female ; Adolescent: 13-18 Yrs Old ; Parathyroid Hormone ; Parathyroid Neoplasms ; Parathyroidectomy ; Phosphoric Monoester Hydrolases ; Fractures, Multiple ; Hypercalcemia ; Hyperparathyroidism ; Hyperthyroidism
7.Clinical profile of non-thyroidal cancer patients with tyrosine kinase inhibitor-induced thyroid dysfunction in the University of Santo Tomas Hospital, Philippines: A 5-year single-center retrospective study
Nenuel Angelo Luna ; Jennilyn Quinitio ; Erick Quinitio ; Sjoberg Kho ; Priscilla Caguioa
Journal of the ASEAN Federation of Endocrine Societies 2024;39(2):20-26
OBJECTIVES
This study aimed to determine the clinical profile of non thyroidal cancer patients with thyroid dysfunction associated with tyrosine kinase inhibitor (TKI) therapy at the University of Santo Tomas Hospital (USTH), Philippines.
METHODOLOGYThis is a retrospective observational study of TKI initiated adult non-thyroidal cancer patients with thyroid function testing from 2013 to 2018.
RESULTSForty percent (95% CI: 26.2% - 58.61%) of the sixty individuals who had thyroid function tests (TFT) had incident thyroid dysfunction. Thirty percent had hypothyroidism (i.e., 25% overt [mean TSH 16.64 uIU/mL]; 5% subclinical [mean TSH 6.62 uIU/mL]). The median time at risk was 8 and 16 months for overt and subclinical hypothyroidism, respectively. Fifty-six percent had persistent hypothyroidism (median TSH 16.75, p = 0.009). The average time to recovery of transient hypothyroidism was 39 months. Ten percent had hyperthyroidism with a median time at risk of 1.5 months. Non-small cell lung cancer and renal cell carcinoma were possible associated risk factors of thyroid dysfunction.
CONCLUSIONTKI-induced thyroid dysfunctions are common. Screening and monitoring for thyroid abnormalities during TKI therapy is important.
Tyrosine Kinase Inhibitors ; Hypothyroidism ; Hyperthyroidism
8.Restless legs syndrome comorbid with hyperthyroidism:a case report
Journal of Apoplexy and Nervous Diseases 2024;41(3):235-237
Restless legs syndrome (RLS) is a common sensory-motor disorder of the nervous system, and its mechanism remains unknown, which may be related to neuropsychiatric diseases, nutritional and metabolic diseases, kidney diseases, and pregnancy. We report a special case of RLS which was diagnosed prior to hyperthyroidism and experienced worsening of the RLS symptoms. We aim to discuss the mechanism of hyperthyroidism aggravating RLS, helping clinicians have a better understanding of the influencing factors for RLS.
Hyperthyroidism
;
Comorbidity
9.Risk factors of childhood systemic lupus erythematosus with thyroid dysfunction.
Ying Ying ZHANG ; Li Min HUANG ; Lu CAO ; Yuan Zhao ZHI ; Jian Jiang ZHANG
Chinese Journal of Pediatrics 2023;61(3):250-255
Objective: To investigate the risk factors of childhood systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) with thyroid dysfunction and to explore the relationship between thyroid hormone and kidney injury of lupus nephritis (LN). Methods: In this retrospective study, 253 patients who were diagnosed with childhood SLE and hospitalized in the First Affiliated Hospital of Zhengzhou University from January 2019 to January 2021 were enrolled in the case group, and 70 healthy children were the control cases. The patients in the case group were divided into the normal thyroid group and the thyroid dysfunction group. Independent t-test, χ2 test, and Mann-Whitney U test were used for comparison between the groups, Logistic regression analysis was used for multivariate analysis, and Spearman correlation. Results: A total of 253 patients, there were 44 males and 209 females in the case group, and the age of onset was 14 (12, 16) years; a total of 70 patients, 24 males and 46 females were in the control group, and the age of onset was 13 (10, 13) years. The incidence of thyroid dysfunction in the case group was higher than that in the control group (48.2% (122/253) vs. 8.6% (6/70), χ²=36.03, P<0.05). Of the 131 patients, there were 17 males and 114 females in the normal thyroid group, and the age of onset was 14 (12, 16) years. Of the 122 patients in the thyroid dysfunction group, 28 males and 94 females were in the thyroid dysfunction group, and the age of onset was 14 (12, 16) years. Of the 122 had thyroid dysfunction, including 51 cases (41.8%) with euthyroid sick syndrome, 25 cases (20.5%) with subclinical hypothyroidism, 18 cases (14.8%) patients with sub-hyperthyroidism, 12 cases (9.8%) with hypothyroidism, 10 cases (8.2%) with Hashimoto's thyroiditis, 4 cases (3.3%) with hyperthyroidism, and 2 cases (1.6%) with Graves disease. Compared to patients with normal thyroid function, the serum level of triglyceride, total cholesterol, urine white blood cell, urine red blood cell, 24 h urine protein, D-dimer, and fibrinogen, ferritin and systemic lupus erythematosus disease activity Index-2000 (SLEDAI-2K) score were higher in patients with thyroid dysfunction (Z=3.07, 3.07, 2.48, 3.16, 2.40, 3.99, 2.68, 2.55, 2.80, all P<0.05), while the serum level of free thyroxine and C3 were lower in thyroid disfunction patients (10.6 (9.1, 12.7) vs. 11.3 (10.0, 12.9) pmol/L, and 0.46 (0.27, 0.74) vs. 0.57 (0.37, 0.82) g/L, Z=2.18, 2.42, both P<0.05). The higher level of triglyceride and D-dimer were the independent risk factors for childhood SLE with thyroid dysfunction (OR=1.40 and 1.35, 95%CI 1.03-1.89 and 1.00-1.81, respectively, both P<0.05). There were 161 patients with LN in the case group, all of which were conducted with renal biopsies, including 11 cases (6.8%) with types Ⅰ LN, 11 cases (6.8%) with typesⅡLN, 31 cases (19.3%) with types Ⅲ LN, 92 cases (57.1%) with types Ⅳ LN, and 16 cases (9.9%) with types Ⅴ LN. There were significant differences in the level of free triiodothyronine and thyroid stimulating hormone among different types of kidney pathology (both P<0.05); compared with types I LN, the serum level of free triiodothyronine was lower in types Ⅳ LN (3.4 (2.8, 3.9) vs. 4.3 (3.7, 5.5) pmol/L, Z=3.75, P<0.05). The serum level of free triiodothyronine was negatively correlated with the acute activity index score of lupus nephritis (r=-0.228, P<0.05), while the serum level of thyroid stimulating hormone was positively correlated with the renal pathological acute activity index score of lupus nephritis (r=0.257, P<0.05). Conclusions: There is a high incidence of thyroid dysfunction in childhood SLE patients. The higher SLEDAI and more severe renal damage were found in SLE patients with thyroid dysfunction compared to these with normal thyroid functions. The risk factors of childhood SLE with thyroid dysfunction are the higher level of triglyceride and D-dimer. The serum level of thyroid hormone is possibly related to the kidney injury of LN.
Child
;
Female
;
Male
;
Humans
;
Lupus Nephritis/epidemiology*
;
Triiodothyronine
;
Retrospective Studies
;
Lupus Erythematosus, Systemic/complications*
;
Hypothyroidism/epidemiology*
;
Hyperthyroidism
;
Risk Factors
10.Research Advances on the Relationship between Overt Hyperthyroidism and Risk of Erectile Dysfunction.
Shan-Kun ZHAO ; Mao-Lei SHEN ; Shi-Xiong LIU ; Xin LI
Acta Academiae Medicinae Sinicae 2023;45(1):143-148
Studies have demonstrated the detrimental effects of overt hyperthyroidism on sexual functioning.Here,we comprehensively reviewed the studies that focused on the association between overt hyperthyroidism and erectile dysfunction (ED).After the systematic searching for relevant studies,we find that overt hyperthyroidism is significantly associated with the high risk of ED.The prevalence of ED in patients with hyperthyroidism ranges from 3.05% to 85%,while that in general population is 2.16% to 33.8%.A study reported that the erectile functioning of the hyperthyroidism patients was improved (International Index of Erectile Function:22.1±6.9 vs. 25.2±5.1) after the achievement of euthyroidism.The underlying mechanism of the increase in the risk of ED by overt hyperthyroidism might be correlated to the dysfunction of hypothalamus-pituitary-thyroid axis,dysregulation of sex hormones,abnormal expression of thyroid hormone receptors,and psychiatric or psychological disturbances (e.g.,depression,anxiety,and irritability).Since limited clinical trials have been conducted,additional well-designed cohorts with sizable samples are warranted to elucidate the evidence and mechanism of hyperthyroidism predisposing to ED.The present review indicates that overt hyperthyroidism and the risk of ED are associated,which reminds the clinicians should assess the thyroid stimulating hormone in hyperthyroidism patients presenting with ED,especially in those without positive conventional laboratory findings for causing ED.
Male
;
Humans
;
Erectile Dysfunction/etiology*
;
Anxiety
;
Hyperthyroidism/complications*
;
Thyrotropin


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