The Vicious Cycle of Hypothyroidism and Severe Proteinuria: A Case Report

Severe proteinuria and nephrotic syndrome are well documented causes or exacerbating factor of hypothyroidism. Less commonly known is that hypothyroidism, one of the most commonly encountered endocrinopathies, also has a profound effect on renal function and may lead to proteinuria. Here we report a case of female patient with hypothyroidism who presented with new onset severe proteinuria. Based on clinical data, we suspect the patient may have entered a vicious cycle of hypothyroidism and severe proteinuria where the two conditions worsen each other. Through literature review, we provide summaries of evidence supporting this bidirectional relationship between hypothyroidism and proteinuria, and emphasize on the importance of recognizing such association in clinical practice.