The Gluten- Grave's Connection: Is There One?

Abstract

Objective: To describe a case of hyperthyroidism secondary to Graves’ disease (GD), which resolved after initiation of gluten free diet (GFD). Methods: Case report and review of literature regarding the role of GFD in GD. Case Description: A 40-year-old woman, presented with clinical and biochemical features of thyrotoxicosis from GD. She was treated with methimazole initially, which was subsequently self discontinued. There was resolution of her symptoms and improvement of her thyroid function tests after the initiation of GFD. Conclusion: Evidence regarding resolution of autoimmune thyroid disease with GFD is scarce. However, patients often attempt unconventional treatment methods including GFD for GD, with potential benefit as in our case. The role of GFD in GD merits further investigation.

Keywords

• Graves’ disease
• Gluten free diet
• Autoimmune thyroid disease
• Celiac disease
• Hyperthyroidism
• Hypothyroidism