ADDISON'S DISEASE AND HYPERTHYROIDISM

Abstract

ABSTRACT The association of Addison's disease and hyperthyroidism is rare since a review of the world literature revealed only 13 cases which showed considerable diversity in their clinical features. The case is described here of a 40 year old man who developed Addison's disease and, two years later, hyperthyroidism with typical exacerbation of Addison's disease. Treatment of Addison's disease with replacement therapy and of hyperthyroidism with carbimazole followed by radio-active iodine was satisfactory. The patient's serum contained no adrenal antibodies but there were thyroid antibodies which were probably only of secondary importance. Study of such cases might have been expected to be rewarding in casting light on the thyro-adrenal axis, particularly in regard to the problem of whether there is reciprocal relationship between secretion by the pituitary gland of corticotrophin and thyrotrophin. Review of the recent literature however shows much diversity of opinion as to the existence or importance of any specific inter-relationship between adrenocortical and thyroid function and study of the reported case and review of earlier clinical reports of associated Addison's disease and hyperthyroidism shed no light on the problem. The association of these two endocrinopathies may therefore be only fortuitous.