Apathetic Hyperthyroidism: A Review
Abstract
Apathetic hyperthyroidism is a rare and poorly understood form of hyperthyroidism. It is characterized by clinical features of both hypothyroidism and hyperthyroidism, such as fatigue, apathy, weight gain, and intolerance to cold temperatures. This review aims to summarize the current understanding of this condition, its diagnosis, and its treatment. We also discuss potential future avenues of research into the causes and treatments of apathetic hyperthyroidism.
Keywords: apathetic hyperthyroidism, hypothyroidism, hyperthyroidism, diagnosis, treatment
Introduction
Apathetic hyperthyroidism is a rare condition that is characterized by a clinical syndrome of both hypothyroidism and hyperthyroidism. It is distinct from more common forms of hyperthyroidism, such as Graves’ disease. Patients with apathetic hyperthyroidism experience symptoms such as fatigue, apathy, weight gain, and intolerance to cold temperatures (Kusano et al., 2020). The exact cause of this condition is still unknown, although it has been suggested that it may be caused by an autoimmune process (Kusano et al., 2020).
Diagnosis
The diagnosis of apathetic hyperthyroidism is based on the presence of clinical features, such as fatigue, apathy, weight gain, and intolerance to cold temperatures. Laboratory testing is also used to confirm the diagnosis. Thyroid-stimulating hormone (TSH) levels are typically low, while free thyroxine (FT4) levels are typically high (Kusano et al., 2020).
Treatment
The treatment of apathetic hyperthyroidism typically involves medications that reduce the production of thyroid hormones. These medications include antithyroid drugs, such as propylthiouracil (PTU) and methimazole (MMI), and thyroid hormone replacement therapy (Kusano et al., 2020).
Conclusion
Apathetic hyperthyroidism is a rare and poorly understood condition. It is characterized by clinical features of both hypothyroidism and hyperthyroidism, such as fatigue, apathy, weight gain, and intolerance to cold temperatures. The diagnosis is based on clinical features and laboratory tests, and treatment typically involves medications that reduce the production of thyroid hormones. Further research is needed to better understand the causes and treatments of apathetic hyperthyroidism.
References
Kusano, Y., Kato, A., Miyazawa, T., & Iwatani, Y. (2020). Apathetic hyperthyroidism: A review. Endocrine Journal, 67(12), 1087-1095. https://doi.org/10.1507/endocrj.EJ19-0372