Acute hepatitis E virus infection and autoimmune thyroiditis: yet another trigger?

BMJ Case Rep. 2012 Apr 23:2012:bcr1220115441. doi: 10.1136/bcr.12.2011.5441.

Abstract

A middle aged woman, previously healthy with the exception of mild seasonal asthma was presented with signs of acute hepatitis. The further investigation showed acute hepatitis E virus infection associated with autoimmune thyroiditis. Treatment was started with propranolol and carbimazol whereupon hepatitis and hyperthyroidism resolved. The authors think that the observed association of acute hepatitis E virus infection and autoimmune thyroiditis suggests a role of hepatitis E virus as putative trigger of autoimmune thyroiditis. The alternative possibility of thyroid dysfunction due to pre-existing autoantibodies cannot be completely excluded but seems to be unlikely given the very mild course of seasonal asthma in this patient.

Publication types

  • Case Reports

MeSH terms

  • Adrenergic beta-Antagonists / therapeutic use
  • Antithyroid Agents / therapeutic use
  • Carbimazole / therapeutic use
  • Diagnosis, Differential
  • Drug Therapy, Combination
  • Female
  • Hepatitis E / complications*
  • Hepatitis E / diagnosis
  • Hepatitis E / drug therapy
  • Hepatitis E / immunology
  • Humans
  • Liver Function Tests
  • Middle Aged
  • Propranolol / therapeutic use
  • Thyroiditis, Autoimmune / diagnosis
  • Thyroiditis, Autoimmune / drug therapy
  • Thyroiditis, Autoimmune / immunology
  • Thyroiditis, Autoimmune / virology*

Substances

  • Adrenergic beta-Antagonists
  • Antithyroid Agents
  • Carbimazole
  • Propranolol