Primary hypothyroidism followed by hyperthyroidism Five case reports

Abstract

Abstract. Five patients are described, who developed primary hypothyroidism between 25 and 57 years of age. They were all adequately treated with l-thyroxine. Graves' disease developed six months to 34 years later. Two had TSH binding inhibiting immunoglobulin (TBII) in their serum at this stage. All were treated with carbimazole, and 3 have experienced relapse upon withdrawal. Our patients are discussed in relation to the 16 cases previously reported. The pathogenesis of this condition is open to speculation.