Thyrotoxicosis with primary presentation as dysphagia: a rare manifestation

Abstract

Thyrotoxicosis refers to the clinical manifestations associated with elevated serum levels of T 4 or T 3 in an individual. Dysphagia is a common problem but a rare manifestation of hyperthyroidism. Dysphagia is an uncommon manifestation of thyrotoxic myopathy. Reports have been sparse and its incidence is not clear. In our case report patient presented who with dysphagia and weight loss and investigation revealed hyperthyroidism. Patient dysphagia subsequently resolved after receiving treatment with methimazole and beta-blockers. This case report the need to include thyrotoxicosis in the differential diagnosis of an otherwise unexplained case of dysphagia.

Effect of Shaker Exercises on Swallowing Disturbance among Patients with Hyperthyroidism at a Selected University Hospital

“…In hyperthyroidism, reports indicate specific cases of dysphagia associated with thyrotoxic myopathy which includes striated muscles of the pharynx and the upper part of the esophagus (Pernambuco , Silva, Almeida, Costa & Souza, 2017) [5]. In addition, direct impingement of oesophagus by enlarging cervical or retrosternal goiter can induce dysphagia (Banday, Bhat, Kmat, Bhat & Nanjundswamy, 2014) [6]. Recently Jansson-Knodell, Codipilly and Leggett, (2017) [7] reported that dysphagia is a fascinating symptom, occurring in approximately 3 percent of the overall population.…”