Thyroid Disorders and COVID-19

Abstract

Objective of the Review: To present the available information on the SARS-CoV-2 impact on thyroid gland (TG), impact from a thyroid pathology over COVID-19 morbidity and course, and management of patients with various thyroid pathologies and the novel coronavirus infection. Key Points. SARS-CoV-2 virus demonstrates exponential spread all over the globe and has caused a global pandemic of COVID-19 infection. Currently, the mechanism of non-pulmonary complications of SARS-CoV-2 and endocrine involvement is yet not clear. The impact from SARS-CoV-2 on TG can be a result of direct invasion of target cells by the virus or activation of immunise and inflammatory response.Changes in the pituitary-hypothalamic thyroid system can be caused by developing euthyroid pathology syndrome, glucocorticosteroid therapy, destructive thyroiditis. Manifestation of autoimmune thyroid disorders associated with COVID-19 cannot be ruled out. Conclusion. Currently there is no information on direct thyroid invasion by SARS-CoV-2; however the available results from trials and clinical observations demonstrate possible impact from coronavirus infections, in particular from SARS-CoV and SARS-CoV-2, on the pituitaryhypothalamic-thyroid system with development of various pathologies or a number of changes in thyroid hormone levels. Taking into account possible associations between thyroid dysfunction and prolonged hospitalisation, risk of deaths in hospital, and the association between thyrotoxicosis and atrial fibrillation and hypercoagulation, it is advisable to screen patients with severe COVID-19. Keywords: SARS-CoV-2, COVID-19, thyroid gland, nonsuppurative granulematous thyroiditis.