Pulmonary Hypertension Associated With Hyperthyroidism: A Case Report

Pulmonary hypertension (PH) has various etiologies and its prognosis is unfavorable without appropriate treatment. We report a case in whom hyperthyroidism was considered as a cause of PH. A 32-year-old woman presented with exertional palpitation and dyspnea. Echocardiography showed an estimated systolic pressure in the pulmonary artery of 50 mmHg (reference value, 15 to 30) with no evidence suggestive of congenital heart disease or acquired heart disease. The level of D-dimer was normal and pulmonary perfusion scintigraphy was unremarkable. Thyroid function tests revealed a biochemically hyperthyroid state with elevated anti-thyroid peroxidase antibodies and thyroid stimulating hormone receptor antibodies, findings consistent with Graves’ disease. After the administration of treatment with potassium iodide and thiamazole, her symptoms and PH gradually abated and finally disappeared without any specific treatment for PH.