Graves’ Disease: Uncommon Condition in Males in Paediatric Age Group – A Case Report

Graves’ disease is an autoimmune disorder that is the most common cause of hyperthyroidism in paediatric patients. There is production of thyroid-stimulating immunoglobulin (TSI) by stimulated B lymphocytes which results in diffuse toxic goiter. It occurs in approximately 0.02% of children. It may occur at any time during childhood, but its frequency increases with age, peaking during adolescence. Most children with this disorder have a positive family history of some form of autoimmune thyroid disease. Genetic and environmental factors also play a role. Enlargement of the thymus, splenomegaly, lymphadenopathy, infiltration of the thyroid gland and retro-orbital tissues with lymphocytes and plasma cells, and peripheral lymphocytosis are well established findings. This case report aims to highlight that a 9 year old male child who had a significant family history of hypothyroidism was diagnosed to have Graves’ disease. Usually it has a female predominance, 5:1 female to male ratio and a peak incidence in 11 to 15 year olds.

Author(s): Neha Chowdary, Asha Benakappa and Dakshayani

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