1.Coexistence of Nonfunctioning Pituitary Adenoma and Graves’ Disease: A Diagnostic Challenge
Alexander Kam ; Dinda Aprilia ; Eva Decroli ; Syafril Syahbuddin ; Yanne Pradwi Efendi ; Athari Fadhila Namanda Putri
Journal of the ASEAN Federation of Endocrine Societies 2026;41(S1):98-
Introduction:
Nonfunctioning pituitary adenomas (NFPA) may cause
central hypothyroidism due to pituitary compression, often
presenting with low thyroid-stimulating hormone (TSH).
However, suppressed TSH in this setting should not automatically be attributed to pituitary dysfunction, as primary
hyperthyroidism—such as Graves’ disease—may rarely
coexist. Distinguishing between these disorders is essential
to avoid misdiagnosis and inappropriate management.
Case:
A 42-year-old female presented with intermittent headache, visual field impairment, palpitations, fine tremors,
and weight loss. Physical examination revealed visual field
deficits and no goiter.
Laboratory evaluation showed cortisol level of 1 µg/dL
(normal: 3.7–19.4 µg/dL), luteinizing hormone 1.62 mU/L
(normal: 2.4–12.6 mU/L), follicle-stimulating hormone 5.01
mU/L (normal: 3.5–12.5 mU/L), free thyroxine 4 28.32 pmol/L
(normal: 12–22 pmol/L), TSH 0.02 µIU/mL (normal: 0.27–4.2
µIU/mL), and prolactin 70.84 ng/mL. Thyrotropin receptor
antibody (TRAb) was 3.53 IU/L, confirming Graves’ disease.
Contrast-enhanced brain magnetic resonance imaging
demonstrated a pituitary macroadenoma (2.13 × 2.28 × 3.05
cm) with optic chiasm compression. The patient was diagnosed with NFPA, Graves’ disease,
secondary adrenal insufficiency, possible hypogonadotropic
hypogonadism, and hyperprolactinemia likely due to the
stalk effect.
Preoperative management included hydrocortisone replacement and antithyroid therapy. The patient subsequently
underwent transsphenoidal surgery with appropriate
perioperative care. Postoperatively, no new pituitary
hormone deficiencies were observed. She was maintained
on thiamazole 10 mg daily with clinical improvement and
remains under regular follow-up.
Conclusion
This case highlights a rare but clinically important coexistence of NFPA and Graves’ disease. Suppressed TSH in
patients with pituitary adenoma should not be assumed to
reflect pituitary dysfunction without thorough evaluation.
Comprehensive thyroid assessment is crucial to ensure
accurate diagnosis and appropriate management.
Pituitary Neoplasms
;
Graves Disease
2.Active Moderate-to-Severe Thyroid Eye Disease: A Case Series
Salmi Fatirah Salim ; Chee Koon Low ; Abdullah Shamshir Abd Mokti ; Akmal Haliza Zamli
Journal of the ASEAN Federation of Endocrine Societies 2026;41(S1):102-
Introduction:
Thyroid eye disease (TED) is a heterogeneous condition and
the most common extrathyroidal manifestation of Graves’
disease. Although most cases are mild, disease progression
may threaten vision and significantly impact quality of life.
Methodology:
We described four patients with active moderate-to-severe
TED, highlighting their clinical characteristics, therapeutic
approaches, and clinical outcomes.
Results:
Three males and one female patient were included in this
descriptive study. Most were identified by the endocrine
team. Their median age was 52.5 years (range 47–56 years).
All patients had long-standing Graves’ disease (range 6–10
years). Two of them were active smokers. Their clinical
activity score ranged from 3 to 5. Common presenting
features included diplopia (60%), proptosis (60%), and
ocular redness (60%).
At the onset of active TED, all patients were euthyroid while
receiving either antithyroid therapy or were maintained on
stable levothyroxine following radioactive iodine treatment
and thyroidectomy. Thyroid receptor autoantibodies were
assessed in only two patients, with one elevated result. Orbital
computed tomography, performed in 3 patients, demonstrated extraocular muscle enlargement consistent with
TED, particularly involving the inferior and medial recti. All patients received standard-dose intravenous methylprednisolone (cumulative 3.5–4.5 g). They showed
improvement in visual acuity following treatment, with
partial improvement in ophthalmoplegia.
Conclusion
Clinical risk factors observed in this series were consistent
with the literature. TED diagnosis relies heavily on
recognition by the endocrine team, underscoring the
importance of holistic Graves’ disease management. Highdose corticosteroids remain the mainstay of treatment
in our setting, with generally favorable outcomes when
timely multidisciplinary care is provided.
Graves Ophthalmopathy
3.Immune-Mediated Pancytopenia Associated with Graves’ Disease Mimicking Evans Syndrome and Carbimazole-Induced Agranulocytosis
Ahmad Syahmi Yusof Zaki ; Ezelea Elwina Walter Sandosam ; Nur Izat Muhamad ; Wan Mohd Izani Wan Mohamed
Journal of the ASEAN Federation of Endocrine Societies 2026;41(S1):103-
Introduction:
Autoimmune thyroid disease is frequently associated with
other immune-mediated disorders; however, clinically
significant pancytopenia is rare. In patients with Graves’
disease receiving antithyroid therapy, leukopenia raises
concern for drug-induced agranulocytosis, a rare but
potentially life-threatening complication characterized
by severe neutropenia requiring immediate drug withdrawal. The coexistence of hemolytic anemia and thrombocytopenia may instead suggest Evans syndrome, defined
by autoimmune hemolytic anemia with immune thrombocytopenia, with or without neutropenia. Importantly,
uncontrolled thyrotoxicosis itself may cause immunemediated cytopenias, creating a diagnostic challenge.
Case:
We report a 55-year-old female with thyroid receptor
antibody-positive Graves’ disease who presented with
jaundice and pancytopenia while receiving carbimazole therapy. Laboratory evaluation demonstrated anemia
with reticulocytosis and a positive direct antiglobulin
test, thrombocytopenia and leukopenia. Complement
testing revealed reduced C3 with normal C4, consistent
with immune-mediated hemolysis. Peripheral blood
film showed no blast cells or marrow infiltration, and
autoimmune screening, including antinuclear antibodies
and anti–double stranded DNA, was negative.
The coexistence of Coombs-positive hemolysis and
thrombocytopenia initially raised suspicion for Evans
syndrome, while leukopenia during carbimazole therapy
prompted concern for drug-induced agranulocytosis.
However, neutropenia was not severe, and the absence
of marrow infiltration or systemic autoimmune disease
made alternative causes of pancytopenia less likely.
Importantly, blood counts progressively improved
following the optimization of thyroid control despite
continuation of carbimazole at a reduced dose, without the
use of immunosuppressive therapy. This clinical course
supported the interpretation of thyrotoxicosis-associated
immune cytopenia rather than primary Evans syndrome
or carbimazole-induced agranulocytosis.
Conclusion
This case highlights thyrotoxicosis-associated immune
cytopenia as an important mimic of Evans syndrome and
carbimazole-related hematological toxicity. Recognizing
this entity is essential to avoid unnecessary discontinuation of antithyroid therapy or inappropriate immunosuppressive treatment.
Evans Syndrome
;
Carbimazole
;
Pancytopenia
;
Agranulocytosis
;
Graves Disease
4.Graves' Disease Presenting with Pancytopenia: A Rare Reversible Hematological Abnormality in Thyrotoxicosis
Wei Ton Wong ; Che Azzah Hanim Che Yahya ; Nurul Atikah Abdul Aziz
Journal of the ASEAN Federation of Endocrine Societies 2026;41(S1):108-
Introduction:
Graves’ disease is associated with various hematological
abnormalities, including anemia, leucopenia, and thrombocytopenia. However, pancytopenia involving all three cell
lines is a rare and often under-recognized manifestation
of thyrotoxicosis. We present a case of newly diagnosed
Graves’ disease complicated by pancytopenia, in which
cell counts normalized rapidly following carbimazole
initiation.
Case:
A 51-year-old female with underlying type 2 diabetes
mellitus, hypertension, and dyslipidemia presented with
dysphagia for 3 months, significant weight loss (from 95
to 75 kg over 6 months), and a 1-week history of fever,
palpitations, tremors, orthopnea, and bilateral lower
limb swelling. On examination, she was febrile (38.2°C)
with bibasal crepitations, pitting edema up to the midshins, bilateral hand tremors, and a multinodular neck
mass moving with deglutition. Investigations confirmed thyrotoxicosis (thyroid-stimulating hormone [TSH]
0.01 mIU/L, free T4 130.1 pmol/L, T3 >30.8 pmol/L) with
positive autoantibodies (thyroid receptor antibody 31.9
IU/L, anti-thyroid peroxidase 195 IU/mL). Full blood
count showed pancytopenia: white cell count 2.73 ×
10⁹/L, hemoglobin 10.3 g/dL, and platelets 108 × 10⁹/L.
Peripheral blood film suggested normocytic normochromic
anemia with leucopenia and thrombocytopenia. Chest
radiography showed cardiomegaly with fluid overload,
and echocardiography revealed an ejection fraction of 77%.
She was treated for impending thyroid storm secondary
to pneumonia with Lugol’s iodine, hydrocortisone,
propylthiouracil, and intravenous antibiotics. She was
discharged on day 3 with a transition to carbimazole. At
outpatient follow-up approximately 9 days later, thyroid
function had improved significantly (free thyroxine 4
reduced from 130.1 to 29.34 pmol/L with suppressed
TSH), and repeat full blood count demonstrated complete
normalization of all three cell lines.
Conclusion
This case illustrates that pancytopenia can be a direct
consequence of severe thyrotoxicosis and may reverse
completely with effective antithyroid therapy. The
temporal relationship between biochemical improvement
and hematological recovery supports a causal link.
Clinicians should be aware of this rare association to avoid
misdiagnosis and unnecessary invasive investigations.
Pancytopenia
;
Graves Disease
;
Thyrotoxicosis
5.Beta Blocker-Induced Raynaud Phenomenon in a Case of Graves' Disease
Lui Tjun Yew ; Gerard Jason Mathews
Journal of the ASEAN Federation of Endocrine Societies 2026;41(S1):109-
Introduction:
Beta-blockers are frequently used as adjunctive therapy in
hyperthyroidism to manage adrenergic symptoms, yet their
potential to precipitate secondary Raynaud’s phenomenon
remains under-recognized. This adverse effect is attributed
to β2-adrenoceptor blockade, which impairs peripheral
vasodilation and promotes reflex vasoconstriction. Nonselective agents such as propranolol carry this particular risk.
Case:
A 22-year-old female presented with a 6-month history of
palpitations, 11 kg weight loss, and fine tremors. There was
no personal or family history of autoimmune or connective
tissue disease. She denied any malar rash, joint swelling,
alopecia, myopathy, oral ulcers, or uveitis. She also
denied using any supplements or any herbal or traditional
remedies. Examination revealed tachycardia, fine tremors,
and Graves’ ophthalmopathy, but no acropachy or
organomegaly. Investigations confirmed Graves’ disease:
Free T4 of 73 pmol/L, thyroid-stimulating hormone <0.05
mIU/L, with elevated anti-thyroid peroxidase and antithyroglobulin antibodies. Full blood count, renal, and liver
function were unremarkable.
She was commenced on carbimazole 20 mg daily and
propranolol 40 mg three times daily. After 8 months
of treatment, she developed cold-induced digital color
changes and skin tightening consistently, suggestive of
Raynaud’s phenomenon. Dose reduction of propranolol to
20 mg BD only yielded partial improvement. Propranolol
was subsequently substituted with verapamil, a nondihydropyridine calcium channel blocker, resulting in
significant resolution of Raynaud’s phenomenon.
Conclusion
Propranolol-induced Raynaud’s phenomenon is an underrecognized complication in the management of Graves’
disease, and this case illustrates that it may develop
insidiously after months of therapy and can persist despite
dose reduction. Substitution with verapamil achieves rate
control without β2-adrenergic antagonism. Clinicians
should maintain a low threshold for recognizing this adverse
effect and consider early substitution with verapamil in
affected patients. While verapamil does not confer the
same adrenergic blockade as propranolol, its vasodilatory
properties make it a rational and effective alternative in
this context.
Raynaud Disease
;
Graves Disease
6.Fire in the Gland: A Rare Case of Graves' Disease in Cystic Fibrosis
Mohd Deenie Mohd Rodzhan ; Yik Hin Chin ; Norasyikin A. Wahab ; Norlaila Mustafa ; Ilham Ismail ; Mahrunissa Mahadi
Journal of the ASEAN Federation of Endocrine Societies 2026;41(S1):114-115
Introduction:
Cystic fibrosis (CF) is an autosomal recessive disorder
caused by mutations in the CFTR gene. Complications
such as cystic fibrosis–related diabetes (CFRD) are well
recognized. The association between CF and autoimmune
thyroid disease, however, is rare and poorly understood.
We report a case of CFRD complicated by Graves’ disease.
Case:
A 22-year-old male was diagnosed with CF at age 5,
confirmed by a positive sweat chloride test. Following
the diagnosis, lifelong pancreatic enzyme replacement
therapy (Creon) was initiated to treat exocrine pancreatic
insufficiency. In 2021, he developed type 3c diabetes,
attributed to endocrine pancreatic insufficiency, and
required regular basal insulin therapy.
In early 2024, he developed hypokalemic periodic paralysis
with proximal myopathy, despite potassium correction, and
was admitted to the hospital. On admission, examination
revealed a fine tremor and diffuse bilateral neck swelling.
Biochemical evaluation showed thyrotoxicosis with Free
T4 of 37 pmol/L and thyroid-stimulating hormone (TSH)
<0.01 mIU/L. He started a tapering dose of carbimazole
and propranolol. An urgent neck ultrasound showed a
heterogeneous thyroid parenchyma with increased vascularity and no nodules. Elevated anti-thyroid peroxidase
(anti-thyroid peroxidase, >600 IU/mL) and TSH receptor
antibodies (thyrotropin receptor antibody, 2.57 IU/L)
confirmed a diagnosis of Graves’ disease. During follow-ups, he had issues with compliance with the
antithyroid therapy. However, the latest thyroid function
test in February 2026 showed Free T4 of 20.5 pmol/L with
suppressed TSH of <0.01 mIU/L. He remains clinically
euthyroid throughout the follow-up.
Conclusion
This case highlights a rare but clinically relevant coexistence. Clinicians managing symptomatic CF patients should
vigilantly screen for thyroid dysfunction to ensure early
diagnosis and timely intervention. Early recognition and
treatment may improve patient outcomes. Further research
is needed to clarify the immunological link between CF
and autoimmunity.
Cystic Fibrosis
;
Graves Disease
7.A Thorn in the Treatment of Graves’ Disease: The Hidden Allergen
Suprhamanyam Evali ; Siew Huang Lee ; Karen Christelle ; Anilah Abdul Rahim
Journal of the ASEAN Federation of Endocrine Societies 2026;41(S1):120-
Introduction:
Graves’ disease is typically managed with antithyroid
drugs (ATDs) and beta-blockers like propranolol. While
allergic reactions to ATDs are common, beta-blockers are
rarely identified as allergens.
Case:
A 42-year-old female with Graves’ disease was started
on carbimazole 5 mg daily and propranolol 40 mg daily.
She developed mild itchiness, which was tolerable.
One month later, liver enzyme derangement led to the
discontinuation of carbimazole. Propylthiouracil (PTU)
300 mg daily was initiated while continuing propranolol,
but caused generalized urticaria, necessitating its cessation.
Prednisolone was started, but her thyroid function worsened.
Alternative therapies were proposed but declined by the
patient. Upon resolution of urticaria, PTU was reintroduced
at 50 mg daily without adverse effects, and propranolol
was discontinued. Her cutaneous symptoms did not recur,
implicating propranolol as the allergen.
Conclusion
In hyperthyroidism, increased hepatic clearance reduces
plasma propranolol levels, minimizing the risk of
adverse effects. However, as thyroid function normalizes,
propranolol clearance slows, leading to drug accumulation
and increased susceptibility to side effects. Clinicians
should consider all medications as potential allergens and
understand how thyroid states affect drug metabolism to
optimize treatment.
Graves Disease
;
Allergens
8.Titrating the Mind: Refractory Schizophreniform Psychosis as an Isolated “Cerebral Storm” in Graves’ Disease
Journal of the ASEAN Federation of Endocrine Societies 2026;41(S1):120-121
Introduction:
Neuropsychiatric manifestations of thyrotoxicosis range
from mild anxiety to severe psychosis. While the BurchWartofsky Point Scale (BWPS) reliably identifies systemic
thyroid storms, an isolated “cerebral storm”—where
profound thyrotoxic encephalopathy presents without
peripheral autonomic signs—remains a diagnostic
challenge. This case highlights the neuromodulatory
pathogenesis of thyrotoxic psychosis and the critical role
of biochemical control for psychiatric resolution.
Case:
A 31-year-old male with Graves’ disease and poor
medication adherence presented with a 2-week history of
aggressive behavior and auditory hallucinations. Initial
investigations revealed overt thyrotoxicosis (thyroidstimulating hormone <0.01 mIU/L; free thyroxine 4 (FT4)
59.53 pmol/L) and an unremarkable computed tomography
brain. Despite his severe neuropsychiatric decompensation,
a BWPS of 20 precluded a clinical diagnosis of systemic
thyroid storm.
His symptoms remained refractory to aggressive
psychotropic polypharmacy, including haloperidol,
olanzapine, lithium, and diazepam. Management was
therefore focused on the underlying thyrotoxicosis with
an optimized antithyroid regimen of carbimazole and
propranolol. Clinical resolution of psychotic symptoms
was achieved only after FT4 declined significantly to 20.46
pmol/L, allowing the successful tapering of all psychiatric
medications. He was discharged in a stable, clinically
euthyroid state with integrated medical and psychiatric
follow-up.
Conclusion
The failure of standard antipsychotics suggests that
thyrotoxic psychosis is driven by distinct neuromodulatory
mechanisms rather than primary dopaminergic dysfunction.
The chronic thyrotoxic state secondary to prolonged
treatment non-adherence likely upregulates and sensitizes
dopamine receptors while simultaneously suppressing
inhibitory GABAergic pathways. This neurochemical
imbalance lowers the neurological threshold, precipitating
an isolated cerebral storm. This case illustrates the limitations
of the BWPS in purely neuropsychiatric presentations and
reinforces that restoring euthyroidism is the definitive
treatment for thyrotoxic psychosis.
Graves Disease
;
Psychotic Disorders
9.Beyond Graves’ Disease and Type 1 Diabetes Mellitus: Thyrotoxic Heart Failure and Emerging Polyglandular Syndrome Type 2
Sharon Mui Kim Lim ; Li Yuen Nyin ; Zulaikha Che Imbi ; Farizan AB Ghani
Journal of the ASEAN Federation of Endocrine Societies 2026;41(S1):147-148
Introduction:
The coexistence of autoimmune thyroid disease and type
1 diabetes mellitus is well established; however, their
sequential or concurrent presentation in very young
children remains uncommon. We demonstrate two
paediatric cases with concurrent Graves' disease and type
1 diabetes mellitus, each illustrating distinct complications
and clinical courses.
Cases:
A 3-year-old female presented with anterior neck swelling,
weight loss, and persistent tachycardia. Biochemical
evaluation confirmed severe thyrotoxicosis (T4 152.3
pmol/L, TSH <0.008 mIU/L) with markedly elevated antithyroglobulin and anti–thyroid peroxidase antibodies.
Thyroid ultrasonography demonstrated a diffusely
enlarged, hypervascular gland with nodular changes,
consistent with Graves’ disease. During longitudinal
follow-up, she developed polyuria, polydipsia, and
hyperglycemia, with positive pancreatic autoantibodies
confirming type 1 diabetes mellitus. Notably, serial early
morning cortisol measurements were persistently low,
raising concern for evolving adrenal insufficiency and
suspicion of autoimmune polyglandular syndrome type 2.
Comprehensive endocrine evaluation is ongoing.
A 4-year-old male presented with a 1-year history of
recurrent self-limiting fever followed by significant
fatigability for 1 month. Salient examination on admission
revealed tachycardia, anterior neck swelling, and an
incidental pansystolic murmur. Thyroid function tests
confirmed thyrotoxicosis (T4 38.6 pmol/L, TSH <0.008
mIU/L). Serial serum glucose was markedly elevated on
admission, prompting further testing that confirmed type
1 diabetes mellitus with positive pancreatic autoantibodies.
Echocardiography demonstrated moderate-to-severe mitral
regurgitation with heart failure secondary to prolonged
uncontrolled hyperthyroidism state. Cardiac function
improved with restoration of a euthyroid state, highlighting
the reversible nature of thyrotoxic heart failure.
Conclusion
These cases highlight the progressive nature of childhood
autoimmunity, where Graves’ disease may precede the
development of type 1 diabetes mellitus and evolving
features of autoimmune polyglandular syndrome type
2. They further emphasize that thyrotoxic heart failure is
potentially reversible with restoration of a euthyroid state,
underscoring the importance of early recognition and
vigilant long-term surveillance.
Diabetes Mellitus, Type 1
;
Graves Disease
;
Heart Failure
;
Diabetes Mellitus, Type 2
10.Therapeutic Plasma Exchange for Preoperative Stabilization in Graves’ Disease Complicated by Agranulocytosis
Muhammad Azim Puad ; Nadia Nordin ; Elliyyin Katiman ; Hazwani Aziz ; Hidayatil Alimi Keya Nordin
Journal of the ASEAN Federation of Endocrine Societies 2026;41(S1):149-
Introduction:
Severe thyrotoxicosis is particularly difficult to manage
when antithyroid drugs are contraindicated. Therapeutic
plasma exchange (TPE) is an adjunctive option in
complicated hyperthyroidism, including thyroid storm
and refractory thyrotoxicosis, through the rapid removal of
circulating thyroid hormones, hormone-binding proteins,
cytokines, and thyroid autoantibodies. However, its
precise role and indications remain incompletely defined.
We report two patients with Graves’ disease complicated
by carbimazole-induced agranulocytosis in whom TPE was
used as bridging therapy before total thyroidectomy.
Cases:
The first patient was a 32-year-old female who developed
carbimazole-induced agranulocytosis 1 month after
the diagnosis of hyperthyroidism. Biochemical control
remained unsatisfactory despite second-line therapy with
high-dose lithium, cholestyramine, propranolol, corticosteroids, and 5 days of Lugol’s iodine. Over 8 days, free
thyroxine (fT4) increased by 13%, necessitating TPE for
preoperative stabilization. Following three cycles over 4
days, fT4 decreased by 20%, from 52 to 41 pmol/L, enabling
successful total thyroidectomy.
The second patient was a 26-year-old female who presented with neutropenic sepsis and severe agranulocytosis
2 months after being diagnosed with Graves’ disease. She
received second-line therapy, and neutrophil recovery
occurred only after 7 days of granulocyte colony-stimulating
factor. TPE, together with Lugol’s iodine, was then initiated
as bridging therapy before surgery. After 5 days of Lugol’s
iodine and three TPE cycles, fT4 decreased by 43%, from
58 to 33 pmol/L, permitting total thyroidectomy.
Conclusion
These cases highlight TPE as a useful bridging strategy
in Graves’ thyrotoxicosis when antithyroid drugs are
precluded by agranulocytosis, and conventional secondline therapy fails to achieve adequate biochemical control.
TPE may facilitate timely stabilization and safe progression to definitive surgical treatment.
Plasma Exchange
;
Agranulocytosis
;
Graves Disease


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