Edematous wall thickening of the gallbladder induced by hyperthyroidism: A case report

RATIONALE: Hyperthyroidism, such as Basedow disease, causes fluid retention, although the common cause is volume overload due to congestive heart failure. In addition, hyperthyroidism and Basedow disease are known to cause pulmonary hypertension. Edematous thickening of the gallbladder wall is caused by venous blood congestion. The feature of edematous wall thickening of the gallbladder on abdominal computed tomography (CT) is subserosal edema and is often accompanied by a periportal collar sign. PATIENT CONCERNS: A 30-year-old woman was referred to our hospital because of liver dysfunction, edematous gallbladder wall thickening, and fluid retention. In addition, the patient developed hyperthyroidism and heart failure. Enhanced abdominal CT revealed edematous wall thickening of the gallbladder and a periportal collar sign. DIAGNOSIS: We suspected that fluid retention and congestion were caused by hyperthyroidism and Basedow disease. INTERVENTIONS: On admission, we started thiamazole therapy for Basedow disease, and her thyroid hormone levels normalized. OUTCOMES: Abdominal CT revealed disappearance of edematous wall thickening of the gallbladder, which was likely associated with an improvement in thyroid function. The patient was discharged 10 days after admission. LESSONS: We encountered a case of hyperthyroidism and Basedow disease accompanied by edematous wall thickening of the gallbladder and various fluid retentions as the first symptoms. Such edematous wall thickening of the gallbladder and various fluid retentions were reduced, together with the improvement of hyperthyroidism.