Pericarditis as the Presenting Feature of Graves Disease in a Pediatric Patient

Pediatr Emerg Care. 2017 Apr;33(4):268-270. doi: 10.1097/PEC.0000000000000439.

Abstract

Pericarditis is a rare presentation of thyrotoxicosis associated with Graves disease. This association has not been previously described in the pediatric literature. We report a 17-year-old male patient who presented with chest pain, dyspnea, and tachycardia. He was found to have diffuse ST-segment elevation consistent with pericarditis. At presentation, he was noted to have bilateral proptosis. Abnormal thyroid function studies and an elevated thyroid-stimulating hormone receptor antibody level confirmed the diagnosis of Graves thyrotoxicosis. The patient was treated with anti-inflammatory and antithyroid agents and improved in time. We discuss previously reported cases of Graves disease-associated pericarditis in adults, potential etiologies, and management strategies.

Publication types

  • Case Reports

MeSH terms

  • Adolescent
  • Anti-Inflammatory Agents / therapeutic use*
  • Antithyroid Agents / therapeutic use*
  • Exophthalmos / drug therapy
  • Exophthalmos / etiology
  • Graves Disease / diagnosis*
  • Graves Disease / drug therapy
  • Humans
  • Male
  • Pericarditis / diagnosis*
  • Pericarditis / drug therapy
  • Treatment Outcome

Substances

  • Anti-Inflammatory Agents
  • Antithyroid Agents