Pulmonary hypertension caused by Graves' thyrotoxicosis: normal pulmonary hemodynamics restored by (131)I treatment.
We describe a case of pulmonary hypertension, initially thought to be idiopathic, which resolved after treatment of Graves' hyperthyroidism. Results of pulmonary artery catheterization before and after treatment are reported, and the effects of thyrotoxicosis on hemodynamics and pulmonary function are briefly reviewed. Possible mechanisms for development of pulmonary hypertension caused by hyperthyroidism include pulmonary vascular endothelial dysfunction or damage because of autoimmunity or the high cardiac output state, or increased metabolism of intrinsic pulmonary vasodilators.
Nakchbandi
I A
IA
Department of Medicine/Endocrinology, Yale University School of Medicine, New Haven, CT 06520-8020, USA. Endocrine.Fellows@Yale.edu
Wirth
J A
JA
Inzucchi
S E
SE
D006328:Cardiac Catheterization; D002302:Cardiac Output; D005260:Female; D006111:Graves Disease / Q000150:complications* / Q000188:drug therapy / Q000503:physiopathology; D006801:Humans; D006976:Hypertension, Pulmonary / Q000188:drug therapy / Q000209:etiology* / Q000503:physiopathology; D007457:Iodine Radioisotopes / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D008875:Middle Aged; D011652:Pulmonary Circulation; D011669:Pulmonary Wedge Pressure
D007457:Iodine Radioisotopes