Associations between systemic sclerosis and thyroid diseases

We have reviewed scientific literature about the association of systemic sclerosis (SSc) and thyroid disorders. A high incidence, and prevalence, of new cases of autoimmune thyroiditis (AT) and/or hypothyroidism have been shown in sclerodermic patients (overall in the female gender). An association among a Th1 immune-predominance, low vitamin D levels, and AT have been also shown in SSc patients. Cases of Graves' disease (GD) have been described in SSc patients, too, according with the higher prevalence of thyroid autoimmunity. It has been also shown a higher prevalence of papillary thyroid cancer (PTC), in association with AT, in SSc patients. However, in order to confirm results about GD and thyroid cancer, studies in larger number of patients with SSc are needed. During the follow-up of SSc patients it would be appropriate to monitor carefully their thyroid status. The abovementioned data strongly suggest a periodic thyroid function follow-up in female SSc patients [showing a borderline high (although in the normal range) thyroid-stimulating hormone level, antithyroid peroxidase antibody positivity, and a small thyroid with a hypoechoic pattern], and, when necessary, appropriate treatments. In conclusion, most of the studies show an association among SSc, AT, and hypothyroidism, such as an increased prevalence of TC overall in SSc patients with AT. Only few cases of GD have been also described in SSc

Lung Sarcoidosis in Etanercept Treated Rheumatoid Arthritis Patient: A Case Report and Review of the Literature

We report a 55-year-old female with seropositive rheumatoid arthritis for 10 years who developed large mediastinal and hilar adenopathy while receiving etanercept therapy. Chest high resolution computed tomography (HRCT) showed mediastinal lymph nodes with size of 2.3×3.1 centimeters. Right paratracheal lymph node biopsy showed nonnecrotizing epithelioid granulomata. All infectious studies of pulmonary lymph node tissues were negative. Etanercept was discontinued. Follow-up HRCT 6 months later showed resolution of mediastinal lymph nodes. This report should increase awareness of pulmonary sarcoidosis development in patient treated with tumor necrosis factor-alpha blocking agent, etanercept

A Rare Case of Neuromyelitis Optica Spectrum Disorder in Patient with Sjogren’s Syndrome

We report a 48-year-old female with the history of Sjogren’s syndrome who presented with 3-week history of tingling, numbness, and shooting back, waist, and bilateral leg pain and numbness in the pelvic region with urinary and bowel incontinence. Physical examination was remarkable for reduced motor power in both lower extremities with spasticity. Sensory deficit was noted at the T6 level. Laboratory investigation revealed elevated ESR and CRP and positive serum antiaquaporin-4 IgG. Thoracic and lumbar magnetic resonance imaging revealed abnormal patchy areas, leptomeningeal enhancement through the thoracic cord extending from T3 through T6 levels, without evidence of cord compression. Impression of neuromyelitis optica spectrum disorder was made and patient was treated with methylprednisolone intravenously followed by tapering oral prednisone. Neurological symptoms gradually improved with resolution of bowel and urinary incontinence. In a patient with Sjogren’s syndrome who presents with neurological complaints, the possibility of neuromyelitis optica or neuromyelitis optica spectrum disorder should be considered. Awareness of the possibility of CNS disease is important due to the serious nature of CNS complications, some of which are treatable with immunosuppressants. Our patient with Sjogren’s syndrome who presented with myelopathy benefited from early recognition and institution of appropriate therapy

Carcinomatous polyarthritis as a presenting manifestation of papillary carcinoma of thyroid gland

A 61-year-old female presented with 6 months of polyarthralgia associated with constitutional symptoms. These included weight loss, night sweats, lethargy and worsening mobility and activities of daily living. There was no significant medical history. On examination, she had synovitis of multiple joints. Investigations for rheumatoid factor and anti-cyclic citrullinated peptide antibody were negative. There was an acute phase response in the form of raised erythrocyte sedimentation rate and C-reactive protein. Contrast-enhanced computed tomography showed pancreatic and right ovarian cystic lesions, which turned out to be clinically insignificant. Positron emission tomography-computed tomography demonstrated fluorodeoxyglucose avid lesion in the right hemi-thyroid. Ultrasound of thyroid gland showed a 13 mm hyporeflective, irregular, subcapsular nodule in the upper lobe with some microcalcification. Fine needle aspiration cytology was diagnostic of papillary carcinoma, confirmed on total thyroidectomy. Arthritis completely resolved within 8 weeks postoperatively. We report the first case of paraneoplastic carcinomatous polyarthritis in association with a papillary thyroid carcinoma as evidenced by a resolution of joint manifestations and laboratory markers of inflammation posttotal thyroidectomy