Prevalence & significance of pancreatic islet cell & adrenal antibodies in patients with Graves' disease.

ABSTRACT

The prevalence of adrenocortical (ACAb), islet cell (ICAb) and thyroid microsomal (TMAb) autoantibodies was determined by indirect immunofluorescence, in 88 consecutive patients with Graves' disease. ACAb, ICAb and TMAb positivity was seen in 3 (3.3%), 10 (11%) and 66 (75%) patients respectively. Among these one patient had both ACAb and ICAb positivity. Diabetes mellitus was found to be present in two (2.3%; both ICAb positive) of the 88 patients studied. Two of the four ICAb positive patients had loss of first phase insulin response to intravenous glucose. A significant proportion of patients of Graves' disease had associated islet cell and/or adrenal autoimmunity. A high index of suspicion for associated endocrine autoimmunity should be maintained while dealing with subjects of Graves' disease.