Hyperthyroidism: a rare cause of reversible pulmonary hypertension.
We describe a case of pulmonary hypertension and high-output heart failure in a 61-year-old woman suffering from relapsing Graves disease. The patient experienced prompt hemodynamic and symptomatic recovery after normal thyroid function was restored. Possible mechanisms for the development of pulmonary arterial hypertension due to hyperthyroidism include damage to pulmonary vascular endothelium due to high cardiac output or an autoimmune process or increased metabolism of intrinsic pulmonary vasodilators. Another possible mechanism is vascular vasoconstriction due to decreased cholinergic output.
Wasseem
Rock
R
Department of Internal Medicine C, Hae'meK Medical Center, Afula 18101, Israel.
Mazen
Elias
E
Walid
Saliba R
SR
D000959:Antihypertensive Agents / Q000627:therapeutic use; D013956:Antithyroid Agents / Q000627:therapeutic use; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D006976:Hypertension, Pulmonary / Q000188:drug therapy / Q000209:etiology*; D006980:Hyperthyroidism / Q000150:complications* / Q000188:drug therapy; D008875:Middle Aged; D011433:Propranolol / Q000627:therapeutic use; D011441:Propylthiouracil / Q000627:therapeutic use
D000959:Antihypertensive Agents; D013956:Antithyroid Agents; D011441:Propylthiouracil; D011433:Propranolol