FRI549 The See-Saw Theory - Hypothyroidism Due To Hashimoto's Thyroiditis Followed By Hyperthyroidism Due To Graves' Disease

Disclosure: P. Sharma: None. Introduction: Hashimoto's thyroiditis is an autoimmune disorder characterized by chronic inflammation of the thyroid gland that leads to hypothyroidism due to formation of autoantibodies against thyroid antigens such as thyroid peroxidase (TPO Ab). Graves' disease is caused by stimulating TSH-receptor antibodies (TRAb) that cause hypertrophy of the thyroid gland leading to hyperthyroidism. While the transformation of Graves' disease to Hashimoto's thyroiditis has been reported, flipping from Hashimoto's thyroiditis to Graves' disease is uncommon. Case Report: A 62 year old female with 20 year history of hypothyroidism secondary to Hashimoto's thyroiditis presented to establish care. She had run out of levothyroxine refills one year prior during COVID-19 pandemic restrictions. She had tachycardia, diarrhea, fatigue, tremors, hair loss, dysphagia, and weight gain. Thyroid panel testing showed hyperthyroidism with an undetectable TSH (normal range 0.45-4.5uIU/ml) and elevated free T4 (2.84, normal 0.82-1.77ng/ml). Patient denied recent infections, iodine intake or iodine contrast exposure. Repeat labs confirmed hyperthyroidism with undetectable TSH with elevated free T4 (3.17ng/ml). Antibody testing comfirmed hyperthyroidism secondary to Graves disease (TRAb 20.7, normal <1.75IU/L). Patient has been on methimazole with fluctuating response and is reviewing definitive therapy options. Discussion: We demonstrate the rare phenomenon of thyroid function transformation from long-standing inhibition to stimulation after 20 years. Hashimoto's thyroiditis is characterized by chronic inflammation due to autoantibodies against TPO, thyroglobulin and the TSH receptor with gradual gland destruction and hypothyroidism. Stimulating autoantibodies to the TSH receptor (thyroid stimulating immunoglobulin (TSIg), TRAb) in Graves' disease lead to hyperthyroidism from gland hypertrophy. The flip from underactivity to overactivity can be explained by recovery of the gland from Hashimoto's thyroiditis injury which gradually leads to an overt response to TSIg, causing a hyperfunctioning gland. An imbalance between the inhibitory and stimulating antibodies can also lead to this transformation. Age, pregnancy and immunomodulating drugs such as alemtuzumab are also thought to play a role. The recovery theory is unlikely in our patient with a 20 year history of Hashimoto's thyroiditis. We believe that she had a high inhibitory antibody titre initially and now has higher titre of stimulating antibodies later, leading to Graves' disease. Luckily, she ran out of levothyroxine otherwise the additive effect of levothyroxine and intrinsic gland activity could have led to worse symptoms. This case highlights that autoimmune hypothyroidism and hyperthyroidism are conditions in the same spectrum, rather than two distinct entities as previously thought. Presentation: Friday, June 16, 2023