Weight loss and severe jaundice in a patient with hyperthyroidism.

BACKGROUND

Thyrotoxicosis may significantly alter hepatic function and is associated with autoimmune disorders of the liver.

CASE REPORT: We report the case of a thyrotoxic patient with Graves' disease and histologically established cholestatic hepatitis. Medical treatment of hyperthyroidism normalized liver function tests.

CONCLUSIONS

In patients with elevated liver function parameters and jaundice of unknown origin, thyroid function should generally be tested. Moreover, medical treatment of hyperthyroidism with thyrostatics may cause severe hepatitis whereas untreated hyperthyroid patients are at risk of developing chronic liver failure.