Hyperthyroidism Improves the Pathological Condition of Nonalcoholic Steatohepatitis: A Case of Nonalcoholic Steatohepatitis with Graves' Disease

Intern Med. 2016;55(15):2019-23. doi: 10.2169/internalmedicine.55.6640. Epub 2016 Aug 1.

Abstract

3,5,3'-triiodo-L-thyronine regulates the glucose metabolism, lipid metabolism, and hepatic steatosis. Several groups have shown the relationships between hypothyroidism and nonalcoholic fatty liver and hypothyroidism and nonalcoholic steatohepatitis (NASH). However, the effect of hyperthyroidism on NASH has not yet been investigated. We herein report effects of thyroid hormone on the pathological condition of NASH in a patient with NASH complicated by Graves' disease. In our case, the liver enzyme level improved with the increasing thyroid hormone level; however, the liver enzyme level was aggravated with the improving thyroid hormone level. Therefore, hyperthyroidism may improve the pathological condition of NASH.

Publication types

  • Case Reports

MeSH terms

  • Graves Disease / complications*
  • Graves Disease / pathology
  • Humans
  • Hyperthyroidism / complications*
  • Hyperthyroidism / pathology
  • Liver / pathology
  • Liver Function Tests
  • Male
  • Non-alcoholic Fatty Liver Disease / complications*
  • Non-alcoholic Fatty Liver Disease / pathology