We investigated whether subclinical hyperthyroidism [subnormal basal thyroid-stimulating hormone (TSH) level, attenuated TSH response to thyrotropin-releasing hormone (TRH) stimulation, peripheral thyroid hormones within normal range] is accompanied by physical and mental changes. Thirty-five subclinically hyperthyroid patients (27 female, 8 male) were compared with 60 overtly hyperthyroid patients (51 female, 9 male) and with 28 euthyroid control patients (18 female, 10 male) with respect to physical symptoms, affective state, short-term memory, ability to concentrate and psychomotor performance. Patients with subclinical hyperthyroidism ranged between the other two groups. The major difference between controls and subclinically hyperthyroid patients was an increase in frequency of nervous symptoms and symptoms due to an increase of metabolic rate and thermal regulation changes. The major differences between subclinically hyperthyroid and overtly hyperthyroid patients were psychomotor impairment and symptoms of increased metabolic rate. Self-ratings of affective state tended to be similar in patients with subclinical and overt hyperthyroidism. The ability to concentrate and short-term memory were not impaired in any group. Symptoms in patients with subclinical hyperthyroidism probably result from central changes which lead to attenuated TSH responses to TRH, or from elevated but still normal thyroxine levels, which possibly enhance the effect of catecholamines.
Thyrotoxic crisis (thyroid storm) is a rare complication of hyperthyroidism. It can be observed not only in thyroid autonomy with latent hyperfunction after exposure to iodine, but also in Graves' disease with overt hyperfunction. Adequate management of thyrotoxic crisis is still controversial. We report about four patients (four women, mean age 75 years) with Graves' disease who developed thyrotoxic crisis during therapy with antithyroid drugs so that surgical intervention became necessary. The patients had been admitted to the hospital for nonspecific symptoms such as headache, cachexy, and psychosis. Thyroid hormone levels had reached twice the normal range prior to surgery. All patients showed severe neurological deficits leading to coma. In three cases euthyroidism was achieved within two days after surgery. The neurological symptoms disappeared after an average of four days. The postoperative course did not show severe complications and all patients recovered completely. Especially in the elderly a monosymptomatic or nonspecific course of thyroid storm with neurological symptoms may represent a severe and life-threatening situation. In these cases surgery can become necessary even if euthyroidism has not been achieved preoperatively.
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