Thyrotoxic Dysphagia in an 82-Year-Old Male. (16th January 2011)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Parperis, Konstantinos; Dadu, Ramona; Hoq, Sheikh; Argento, Vivian
• Other Names: Agarwal Gaurav Academic Editor.
• Is Part Of: Case reports in medicine. Volume 2011(2011)
• Publication Date: 2011-01-16
• Subjects: Medicine -- Periodicals; Medicine -- Periodicals; Medicine; Case Reports; Periodicals; 610
• DOI: 10.1155/2011/929523
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 1687-9627

Abstract

Abstract : Dysphagia is a common problem in elderly patients and a rare manifestation of Graves' disease. We report a case of an 82-year-old male who presented with a 4-week history of dysphagia and weight loss. Workup for his dysphagia with upper endoscopy, MRI brain, electromyography, acetyl-cholinesterase receptor antibodies, and voltage-gated calcium channel antibodies were negative. Modified Barium swallow test showed oropharyngeal dysphagia. Thyroid function tests that revealed hyperthyroidism and antibodies to TSH-receptor were positive. Based on the above findings, we considered Graves' disease as the most likely diagnosis. Patient was treated with methimazole and beta-blockers and subsequently his dysphagia resolved. This paper highlights the importance to clinicians of considering thyrotoxicosis as possible diagnosis in an elderly patient presenting with unexplained dysphagia.