20. Graves’ disease in boys younger than 4 years old: Case series report
Main Article Content
Abstract
Graves’ disease, the main cause of hyperthyroidism, is a rare disease in children under 4 years of age, especially boys, with diverse clinical manifestations. Hyperthyroidism in young children, if not recognized and treated, can seriously affect growth and development. We report three cases of Graves’ disease in young males diagnosed at 44 months, 31 months and 44 months old, respectively. Cases 1 and 2 had grade II goiter, case 3 had no goiter. All three children had exophthalmos and tachycardia at diagnosis. Case 1 subsequently developed first-degree atrioventricular block. Two of three children had been infected with SARS-CoV-2 before being diagnosed Graves’ disease (case 1 and 3). The investigations showed elevated concentrations of triiodothyronine (T3) and free thyroxine (FT4). Serum levels of T3 were 7.49; 7.92 and 10 nmol/L, respectively, serum levels of FT4 were 70.7; 104.8 and 86.6 pmol/L, respectively. Thyroid-stimulating hormone (TSH) levels were decreased: 0.01; 0.04 and 0.005 mIU/L, respectively. Thyroid-stimulating hormone receptor autoantibody (TRAb) levels were 40; 22.2 and 11.6 U/L, respectively. Thyroid ultrasound showed diffuse thyroid enlargement in cases 1 and 2, normal in case 3. All three children were treated with antithyroid drugs and responded to treatment within the first few months of treatment.
Keywords: Graves’ disease, young children, boys
Article Details
Keywords
Graves’ disease, young children, boys
References
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