Severe cholestatic hyperbilirubinaemia secondary to thyrotoxicosis complicated with bile cast nephropathy treated with plasma exchange and haemodialysis

Abstract

Thyrotoxicosis rarely presents as cholestatic hyperbilirubinaemia, and severe bilirubin elevation may lead to bile cast nephropathy. We present a case of a young woman with newly diagnosed Graves’ disease with thyrotoxicosis who developed severe hyperbilirubinaemia and bile cast nephropathy. Serial plasma exchange and temporary haemodialysis led to full renal recovery. After treatment of her thyrotoxicosis with antithyroid medication and radioactive iodine ablation, her bilirubin normalised.