Endocrine Abstracts

JOINT136

Introduction: Hyperthyroidism is a frequent endocrine condition resulting from an overproduction of thyroid hormones. The disorder is caused by diverse underlying etiologies, each with distinct clinical and immunological profiles. This study aimed to analyze the etiological distribution of hyperthyroidism in a cohort of patients followed in our center.

Materials and Methods: We conducted a retrospective analysis of patients diagnosed with hyperthyroidism in our institution. The diagnosis was based on clinical presentation, laboratory findings, and immunological markers. Specific antibodies, including anti-TSH receptor (anti-RTSH), anti-thyroperoxidase (anti-TPO), and anti-thyroglobulin (anti-Tg), were systematically assessed.

Results: 31 patients were diagnosed with hyperthyroidism. Graves’ disease was identified in 19 patients, including 10 men and 9 women, with a mean age of onset of 35.52 years. All patients presented with a goiter, and exophthalmos was observed in 11 cases. Anti-TSH receptor antibodies were positive in all patients, confirming the autoimmune nature of the disease. Hashitoxicosis was diagnosed in 12 patients, including 10 women and 2 men, with a mean age of onset of 36.83 years. Goiter was present in 9 cases. Immunological testing revealed positivity for anti-TPO and/or anti-Tg antibodies in all patients, while anti-TSH receptor antibodies were negative.

Discussion: Graves’ disease emerged as the leading cause of hyperthyroidism in our cohort, consistent with global epidemiological data. Its hallmark clinical features, including diffuse goiter and the frequent occurrence of exophthalmos, underline the importance of clinical examination and antibody testing. Hashitoxicosis, often considered a transient phase of autoimmune thyroiditis, represented the second most common etiology. Its diagnosis relies on the presence of specific thyroid antibodies and the exclusion of anti-TSH receptor positivity.

Conclusion: This study emphasizes the predominance of Graves’ disease and Hashitoxicosis as etiologies of hyperthyroidism. The distinct clinical and immunological profiles observed highlight the necessity for a comprehensive diagnostic approach to guide appropriate management strategies.