Recovery of chronic hepatitis by treatment of concomitant hyperthyroidism.
A 15-year-old boy presented with biochemical and histological hepatic abnormalities consistent with chronic aggressive hepatitis and concomitant hyperthyroidism. After treatment with antithyroid therapy not only the hyperthyroidism subsided but also the hepatic function normalized. Two years later, the hyperthyroidism and liver function disorders relapsed in combination with a striking vitiligo and once again the liver function normalized after treating the hyperthyroidism. The liver biopsy sample taken in remission showed a normal picture without signs of hepatitis, fibrosis or cirrhosis. The diagnosis of a polyglandular syndrome was made, of which three types have been described. At this moment the patient fits best in type 3, which is a rather heterogenic group. Recovery of chronic hepatitis by treatment of concomitant hyperthyroidism has never been described before.
Leeuwenburgh
I
I
Department of Internal Medicine, Amphia Hospital, 4819 EV Breda, the Netherlands. I_Leeuwenburgh@hotmail.com
Stijnen
P J
PJ
Verburg
G P
GP
D000293:Adolescent; D002908:Chronic Disease; D006505:Hepatitis / Q000209:etiology*; D006801:Humans; D006980:Hyperthyroidism / Q000150:complications*; D008297:Male