case of severe autoimmune hepatitis associated with Graves' disease

ABSTRACT

Graves' disease is a common condition and is known to have a wide range of effects on a variety of organs. Hepatic dysfunction ranging from mild to severe due to direct effect of high circulating thyroid hormones as well as a deleterious effect of antithyroid medications [methimazole and propylthiouracil] has been well - documented in literature. However, severe autoimmune hepatitis [AIH] associated with Graves' disease is rare and limited to few case reports only. A 38?year?old woman presented with abdominal pain and yellowish discolouration of conjunctivae. On investigation, she was found to have Graves' disease and AIH. The liver histopathology showed typical features of AIH. She responded excellently to glucocorticoid therapy with normalisation of thyroid function and liver histology. The case is discussed with relevant literature review